VIA Eden is an impressive and compact platform, though, a little bit too slow to be used in even basic personal computers. I have heard of very few systems based on Eden and none of them are now widely available. Nevertheless, the platform is practically ideal for various set-top-boxes, embedded systems, network appliances and so on, in those devices, where performance is not critical at all. Well, it begins to happen: NEXCOM has introduced a new range of dynamic network appliance boxes based on the VIA Eden Platform.

The EBS 1563 is suitable for Firewall applications with its dimension of 7" x 9" and height of 1U. The EBS 1563 network appliance solution includes a small board based on the VIA Eden Platform and powered by VIA C3 EBGA processor. Among the other features of this platform we should mention the S3 Savage4 graphics core, 512MB of SDRAM memory, LCD support as well as 10/100 Base T/TX Ethernet with 3 onboard ports. The solution integrates key PC components including an internal power module, an external power adapter, PCI expansion cards and a 2.5" Hard Disk Drive. There are other platforms based on VIA Eden from NEXCOM, so, expect more devices to come later.

It looks like VIA`s diversification strategy has finally brought something to the company. Unfortunately, it is still under a big question mark if EBS 1563 and other VIA Eden based devices will be popular, bringing enough profit to the company. Well, at least, now VIA has a bit more chances to improve its current financial state.