As the hype dies down, there's a clear business case for thin clients.
Despite all the hype, 1997 was not the year of the network computer (NC). So far, sales of NC devices have been disappointing. However, there are still some compelling arguments for thin-client computing. Market forecasters at Frost & Sullivan reckon that this year the NC market volume will be $138 million. Therefore, expect to see many new NC-related products at CeBIT 98.
One factor that has held back the adoption of NCs is the perception that there are too many different NC designs and OSes and too few server-based applications available to run on them. However, in Europe and elsewhere, the increasing acceptance of Java and more-robust Web technologies is now changing that mind-set.
Powerful NC applications are here, and more are rapidly arriving on the scene. Contenders to look for at CeBIT include Java-based office packages, such as Applix's Anyware Office, Lotus's Kona, and new developments from StarOffice. Corel has scrapped plans for a full Java rewrite of its WordPerfect Suite 8 in favor of its Remagen product, which will give Java-enabled thin clients access to the conventional WordPerfect Suite software running on a server. (At press time, it was unclear whether Remagen would be ready in time for the show.) ...
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