Network computers to take on PCs
Oracle subsidiary Network Computer Incorporated introduces a hardware and software package for its network computers.
Accompanying the release of Oracle 8, the newest version of Oracle's widely used corporate database software, was the introduction of NCI's Network-In-a-Box and new Smart Card products. Wyse Technology also said that it will adopt NCI software for its NCs.
The release of the Network-In-a-Box, which includes all the necessary NC hardware and software, follows months of discussion and promotion of the Network Computer standard by Oracle as well as Java maker Sun Microsystems. NCI acquired Netscape Communications' major equity stake in Navio in a stock swap announced last month.
The Network-In-a-Box unites NCI's network computer software with hardware produced by other companies. The product consists of one Intel-based NC Server with NC Server software, NC Desktop client software, two Intel-based network computers, two NC smart cards for user security as well as one for administration, and networking hardware such as a small hub and cabling.
The entire package will cost $4,995 and be available in mid-July. Portable computer value-added reseller Propeller Portable Computer Products will be the first distributor.
Not everyone was impressed by NCI's announcement. Brian Murphy, an analyst with The Yankee Group, likes the idea of NC but remains cautious about Oracle's progress. Especially daunting in Murphy's view is Oracle's apparent intent to offer an alternative operating system to compete with Windows NT. "That would be a very expensive proposition."
The Network-in-a-box "is an evalution setup...The hold grail is the order for 10,000 machines," notes Murphy. While releasing such a product allows companies to create pilot programs, the deciding factor is whether NCI can put together a solution using NCs that will generate orders for 10,000 to 20,000 units. According to Murphy, Sun Microsystems and IBM, companies with longstanding corporate customers and extensive hardware experience, may be better positioned to land such business.
Murphy sees the most promising future for NCs coming through increased cooperation between Oracle, Sun and IBM, the major players in the market. Otherwise, defeating the Intel-Microsoft play of NetPCs will be difficult, if not not impossible.
Smart cards are also included in the package. The smart cards are being produced by Schlumberger. The company's smart cards for network computers, called the NC Card, is being termed a "network passport." It contains a small, silicon chip to store small amounts of information securely.
The Winterm 4000 line uses Digital's StrongARM SA-110 processor. Booting is accomplished using data stored locally in flash memory rather than relying on a network server.