Canon Computer Systems
Canon Computer Systems was Canon Inc.'s American computer subsidiary, active from 1992 until its restructuring in January 2001.
Last updated August 24, 2026
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Overview
Canon Computer Systems, Inc. was an American subsidiary established by Canon Inc. in 1992 to develop, manufacture, and market personal computers and workstations while consolidating Canon's United States marketing for printers and photocopiers. The company represented Canon's most organized attempt to participate in the personal-computer market, building on computer products that Canon had introduced from the late 1970s onward. Canon's earlier computer activity included the AX-1, a programmable desktop-calculator-style machine introduced in 1978; the AS-100, an Intel 8088 and MS-DOS computer from 1982; the V-20 and V-10 home computers; and the Canon Cat, a distinctive 1987 system associated with Jef Raskin, an early Macintosh pioneer. Canon also acquired a substantial stake in NeXT in 1989, giving it a relationship with the workstation company founded by Steve Jobs. Canon Computer Systems was spun out in April 1992 and initially operated with approximately 100 employees, including about 50 in Costa Mesa, California. Yasuhiro Tsubota, who had founded Epson America and later advised NeXT, became its president. The subsidiary launched the Innova desktop-computer family and Innova Book notebooks. It also marketed Canon office equipment and invested heavily in advertising, reflecting ambitions to become a significant computer vendor rather than merely a specialist peripheral supplier. Many Innova Book models were manufactured by Taiwanese original-equipment and original-design manufacturers. The Innova Book 10, introduced in 1994, was a four-pound subnotebook, while the Innova Book 200LS followed in 1995 with an 11.3-inch display, then unusually large for a notebook. Other models were produced through Taiwanese manufacturing partners including Featron. Canon Computer also worked with IBM's Japanese subsidiary on the Canon NoteJet, a notebook with an integrated inkjet printer. After NeXT stopped making hardware, Canon Computer Systems assumed responsibility for the NeXTstation in March 1994 and later introduced the Object.Station, an x86 workstation influenced by the NeXTstation design. These activities broadened the subsidiary's portfolio, but the company entered a crowded personal-computer market relatively late. Its announced growth objectives, including a long-term sales goal of $1 billion by 1997, were not achieved. Weak sales led Canon Computer Systems to discontinue its desktop and notebook business quietly in January 1997. The subsidiary then changed direction toward silicon-on-insulator manufacturing, including a reported investment of ¥3 billion in a clean-room facility at Canon's Hiratsuka plant in Japan. During this strategic shift, Canon sold its NeXT shares to Apple as Apple moved to acquire NeXT after Steve Jobs's return. Canon Computer Systems continued marketing printers, scanners, and digital cameras until January 2001, when it was restructured and renamed Canon Digital Home and Personal Systems. Ryoichi Bamba replaced Tsubota in the leadership transition. The Canon Computer Systems identity therefore ended as part of a broader reorganization rather than through a separately documented bankruptcy or sale.
History
Canon's involvement in computing preceded Canon Computer Systems by more than a decade. The company introduced the programmable AX-1 in 1978, followed by the AS-100 personal computer in 1982. It entered home computing with the V-20 and V-10 and later released the Canon Cat in 1987. Canon also developed a relationship with NeXT, taking a large stake in the company in 1989. In April 1992, Canon created Canon Computer Systems, Inc. as an American subsidiary responsible for computer manufacturing and the marketing of selected Canon office products. By October of that year it had roughly 100 employees, half based in Costa Mesa, California. Yasuhiro Tsubota, previously associated with Epson America and NeXT, became president. The company launched the Innova desktop range and Innova Book notebooks and set ambitious revenue expectations, supported by a substantial advertising budget. The notebook portfolio relied heavily on Taiwanese OEM and ODM production. Chicony supplied designs associated with the Innova Book 10 and Innova Book 200LS, while Featron produced other models in the 150, 300, and 400 series. Canon and IBM's Japanese subsidiary also collaborated on the Canon NoteJet, combining a notebook computer with an integrated inkjet printer. Canon Computer expanded into professional systems when it assumed the NeXTstation after NeXT ended hardware production. It later created the Object.Station, an x86 workstation based on the NeXTstation concept. Despite these efforts, the subsidiary faced strong competition and was regarded as a late entrant to the personal-computer industry. Its desktop and notebook products remained available until January 1997, when poor sales prompted Canon to withdraw from those markets. After the withdrawal, Canon Computer redirected resources toward silicon-on-insulator production and invested in a clean-room facility at Canon's Hiratsuka plant. Canon also sold its NeXT shares to Apple during Apple's acquisition of NeXT. The subsidiary continued with printers, scanners, and digital cameras until January 2001, when it was reorganized and renamed Canon Digital Home and Personal Systems. This restructuring ended the Canon Computer Systems name.
- 2001
Subsidiary is renamed
[1]Canon restructures the business as Canon Digital Home and Personal Systems.
- 1997
Personal-computer business is discontinued
[1]Canon Computer ends its Innova desktop and Innova Book notebook operations because of poor sales.
- 1994
Canon assumes NeXTstation responsibility
[1]Canon Computer begins handling the NeXTstation after NeXT ceases hardware production.
- 1993
Canon NoteJet reaches the market
[1]Canon introduces a notebook with a built-in inkjet printer through collaboration with IBM's Japanese subsidiary.
- 1992
Canon Computer Systems is formed
[1]Canon establishes the American subsidiary to handle computers and selected office-equipment marketing.
- 1989
Canon takes a substantial stake in NeXT
[1]Canon invests heavily in NeXT, establishing a relationship later connected to Canon's workstation activities.
- 1987
Canon Cat launches
[1]Canon releases the Canon Cat, developed around ideas associated with Jef Raskin.
- 1982
Canon releases the AS-100
[1]The AS-100 becomes Canon's more conventional personal computer, using an Intel 8088 processor and MS-DOS.
- 1978
Canon introduces the AX-1
[1]Canon enters computing with the programmable AX-1, designed in a desktop-calculator form factor.
Products and positioning
A Canon-backed computer and office-technology subsidiary that combined personal-computer products with Canon's established printer, copier, scanner, and imaging businesses. Its computer range sought to distinguish itself through portable systems, integrated printing, and workstation offerings, but the company ultimately repositioned toward semiconductor manufacturing and Canon imaging products.
Desktop personal computers · 1992
Innova
The Innova line was Canon Computer Systems' principal desktop-personal-computer family during its early years. It formed part of Canon's attempt to establish a broader computing presence alongside its established printer and copier businesses. The systems remained on sale until Canon withdrew from the desktop market in January 1997.
Notebook and subnotebook computers · 1992
Innova Book
Innova Book was Canon Computer Systems' notebook range. Models were generally produced by Taiwanese OEM and ODM partners. The Innova Book 10 was a four-pound subnotebook introduced in 1994, while the 200LS appeared in 1995 with an 11.3-inch display. Other numbered models included the 150, 300, and 400 series.
Integrated notebook and printer · 1993
Canon NoteJet
The Canon NoteJet combined a notebook computer with a built-in inkjet printer. Canon Computer Systems developed it in collaboration with IBM's Japanese subsidiary, creating a product that connected Canon's printing expertise with its computer ambitions.
Workstation · 1994
NeXTstation
Canon Computer Systems took responsibility for the NeXTstation after NeXT stopped manufacturing hardware. The arrangement extended Canon's relationship with NeXT into workstation distribution and support during the mid-1990s.
Workstation
Object.Station
The Object.Station was an x86-based workstation developed by Canon Computer Systems using the NeXTstation design as a reference point. It represented the subsidiary's effort to move beyond mainstream personal computers into professional computing.
Marketing campaigns
- 1992Canon Computer Systems launch advertising
United States
At launch, the subsidiary allocated a substantial portion of its initial budget to advertising and appointed Hajjar/Kaufman, a newly formed agency associated with Dentsu, to promote its computer and office-technology offerings.
Outcome. The campaign supported the market introduction of the Innova and Innova Book lines, but the computer business later exited the desktop and notebook market because of poor sales.
Brand decisions
2001
Restructure and rename the subsidiaryStrategyBackground
After the end of its personal-computer business, the subsidiary's remaining activities centered on Canon imaging and related home and personal systems.
Action taken
Canon restructured the business, renamed it Canon Digital Home and Personal Systems, and changed its leadership.
Aftermath
The Canon Computer Systems name ceased to represent an active subsidiary.
1997
Exit desktop and notebook computingStrategyBackground
Canon Computer Systems was a late entrant to a highly competitive personal-computer market, and the Innova and Innova Book products experienced poor sales.
Action taken
The subsidiary discontinued its desktop and notebook lines and redirected its focus toward silicon-on-insulator manufacturing.
Aftermath
Canon invested in a clean-room facility at its Hiratsuka plant and continued operating in printers, scanners, and digital cameras.
Clean-room investment. ¥3 billion (1997)
1997
Sell NeXT investment to AppleM&ABackground
Apple was preparing to acquire NeXT after Steve Jobs returned to Apple.
Action taken
Canon sold its existing NeXT shares to Apple.
Aftermath
Canon ended its direct equity position in NeXT during the transition of NeXT's technology and corporate assets to Apple.
1994
Expand into NeXT-derived workstation activitiesStrategyBackground
NeXT had stopped manufacturing hardware, while Canon maintained an investment and commercial relationship with the company.
Action taken
Canon Computer Systems took over the NeXTstation and later developed the x86-based Object.Station.
Aftermath
The workstation effort broadened Canon Computer's portfolio but did not prevent its later retreat from computer hardware.
1992
Create a dedicated computer subsidiaryStrategyBackground
Canon had developed computers through several earlier initiatives but needed a dedicated organization to develop and market personal computers while coordinating related office products.
Action taken
Canon spun off computer manufacturing into Canon Computer Systems and assigned it responsibility for marketing Canon printers and photocopiers in the United States.
Aftermath
The subsidiary launched desktop and notebook products but later withdrew from those categories.
Recent events
- 2001
Canon Computer Systems is restructured and renamed[1]
Leadership change
Canon restructured the subsidiary, changed its name to Canon Digital Home and Personal Systems, and replaced Yasuhiro Tsubota with Ryoichi Bamba.
- 1997
Canon Computer exits the desktop and notebook market[1]
Other
The subsidiary stopped selling Innova desktops and Innova Books after poor sales and redirected its activity toward silicon-on-insulator manufacturing and Canon imaging products.
- 1994
Canon Computer takes over NeXTstation hardware activities[1]
Product generation
Following NeXT's withdrawal from hardware manufacturing, Canon Computer Systems assumed responsibility for the NeXTstation and subsequently developed the Object.Station workstation.
- 1992
Canon establishes Canon Computer Systems[1]
Other
Canon spun off its computer manufacturing activities into a new subsidiary that also took over United States marketing responsibilities for Canon printers and photocopiers.
- 1992
Canon Computer Systems launches Innova and Innova Book[1]
Product launch
The new subsidiary entered the personal-computer market with desktop systems and notebook-sized computers under the Innova and Innova Book names.
Sources1 sources
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