Java(TM)-enabled Network Computers will become as familiar to the corporate IT landscape as PCs, minis, workstations and mainframe terminals, according to two new reports from Datapro Information Services Group.

In fact, the independent reports find that Java NCs will be used to help preserve and extend legacy applications where today's corporations have a considerable investment.

The Datapro reports, "Network Computing Strategy: Sun Microsystems" and "Sun Microsystems: JavaStation(TM)" examine Sun's NC roadmap in light of competitive challenges that seek to "muddy the waters" for Java Computing through a patchwork of alternative initiatives. Datapro calls it "likely" that NCs will succeed in replacing fixed-function 3270, 5250 and VT-100 terminals in the short term. Datapro notes that Sun is well-positioned to drive its NC solutions into these markets. Furthermore, the NC is likely to replace PCs wherever a PC provides more firepower and complexity than an employee needs to do the job, such as in order entry systems and customer service call centers.

"This falls in line with how Sun sees the NC market developing," said Steve Tirado, Director of Java Desktop Devices for Sun. "We see Java as a way to provide breakaway business strategies with access to legacy applications. Java NCs often provide the most cost-effective execution for the desktop."

One of the reports adds that the complexity of Microsoft Windows and the growing numbers of versions of Microsoft applications will focus more attention on the total cost of ownership and management of PC-based networks, presenting more opportunity for Java technology and NCs.

In the end, the reports conclude that Windows NT, UNIX(R), mainframes, PCs and NCs will find a peaceful co-existence in tomorrow's corporate enterprise.

The Datapro reports are only the latest in a string of independent studies by market research groups showing growing momentum for NCs and Java Computing in the enterprise. For example, Datapro recently published a study showing that more than 60 percent of the 2,195 PC users it surveyed would consider switching to an NC if they could still access their applications safely and securely from any location. Another recent independent report from The Yankee Group found that 58 percent of Forbes 100 companies surveyed are piloting or considering NCs, and that 70 percent of them consider the NC's single-point-of-control benefit more important than the much-publicized total cost of ownership (TCO) issue. Several more NC-related studies are expected to be released in coming months.

Pre-publication versions of the two reports are available today for $250 each. To obtain a copy, contact Lucinda Washington of Datapro Information Services Group in Delran, N.J. at 1-800-328-2776 or 1-609-764-0100. Members of the press may contact Datapro for more information.

About Datapro

Datapro Information Services Group, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, provides timely and accurate information and analysis on the full spectrum of IT products, vendors, technologies and markets. Drawing on the strength of an international staff of researchers and analysts, Datapro has been relied upon by thousands of organizations and consulting firms for more than 28 years.