Ray Van Eng (09/03/97)
As much as Sun Microsystems Inc. would like you to believe that the java computing paradigm is platform-independent, the company's JavaStation network computer is proprietary in nature -- it can only run on Sun's own Solaris servers. However, that is about to change. Sun has announced the development of a Windows NT boot API that would allow JavaStations to take instructions from a Windows NT server. No doubt about it, even users considering using network computers are demanding the Windows NT server which is best for handling Windows based applications. According to International Data Corp., the 1996 sale of UNIX based servers totaled 616,000 while Windows NT based variety topped 732,000. And by 1999, the difference is even greater with Unix servers reaching 947,000 and NT servers increasing to 2.2 million copies. Although users can execute a Windows-based software through a program such as Citrix Systems Inc.'s WinTerm on the server and present the results remotely at the user's desktop. That is a workable solution but many find themselves wanting a multi-user version of the Windows NT program on the server for this type of operation. Of course, all that has not escaped the ever watchful eyes from the corporate headquarters at Microsoft Corp. Sensing the needs, Microsoft responded by designing its own version of a network computer architecture consisting of two brand new platforms: the Windows-based Terminal (WBT) client and the Windows NT Hydra server. But wait, don't they already have the NetPC going with Intel Corp.? That is true. But the NetPC is basically a full-feature PC in a sealed case (no floppy or CD-ROM drive, no expansion capabilities etc.) designed to prevent user interaction so that the closed box can be administered via a network by a Windows NT server. This approach reduces the cost of maintenance for individual PCs but the price of a NetPC remains relatively high and close to what a regular PC would cost. The WBT is designated to be Microsoft's official thin client and it comes with a limited amount of memory (4 MB of ROM and 4MB of RAM) which is just enough to run a new version of the Windows CE 2.0 software meant originally for handheld devices. The WBT requires a new version of Windows NT software, known as Hydra on the server side. Because the Windows CE 2.0 will feature color and graphics support, it will be suitable for displaying Windows applications and the WBT will have enough memory to work with a locally-connected printer. Unlike NetPC which is Intel-specific, the WBT will not be tied to any processor. Microsoft's OEM partners such as Boundless Technologies, Inc. and Wyse Technology, Inc. will be manufacturing the WBT device. NetPC on the other hand, will be available from traditional PC makers like Compaq, Dell among others. The Hydra server software is based on the Citrix system software and is expected to be fully integrated with Windows NT 5.0 which is scheduled to appear by the end of 1998. |
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