The Java network computer (NC) will take a big step toward becoming reality this week, when Network Computing, Inc. (NCI), a division of Oracle Corp., makes a limited release of its server and client software.

The company's server software, which includes a range of management, security and access services, promises to be the key to creating a low-cost, centrally managed alternative to Microsoft Corp.'s Windows PCs. The client package will provide NC users with easy access to remote applications and services. Both packages are in limited release now and will be widely available in June.

``This software is critical because without it NCs are just Internet browsers,'' said Peter Kastner, vice president at Aberdeen Group, Inc., a technology research firm in Boston. Kastner said the availability of software and the release of desktop NC machines mean corporate users will be able to buy and deploy NCs this year.

NCI will release two versions of the server platform. The NC Enterprise includes systems software, such as file services based on Network File System, user management utilities, security, and Java applications such as a simple spreadsheet and word processor. The server runs initially on Sun Solaris servers and in subsequent releases will run on other Unix platforms and Windows NT.

The NC Community Server is a stripped down, low-maintenance package that can be plugged into a department, small business or branch office and administered remotely through the Enterprise Server. The Community Server will run the NC OS, an operating environment based on the public Berkeley version of Unix. NCI will begin beta-testing Community Server in June and ship the product by August.

An optional part of both server packages is the Oracle Web Application Server (WAS), which is based on Oracle's Network Computing Architecture. Developers can plug applications, called cartridges, into WAS where they can be used by client NCs.

Running on top of both versions of the NC Server is a suite of Java and HTML applications, most of which today are provided by Oracle.

The client software, called NC Access, is a set of HTML and Java applications, including a Web browser, desktop configuration tools and an operating environment. Part of NC Access is the Java Virtual Machine, which lets the NC run Java applets locally.

``We like the fact that they've built this so you can take out, for example, the Oracle-supplied browser and use Netscape,'' Kastner said. ``Or you can plug in Corel Office for Java suite and leave the rest of the NC Access software untouched.''

Source: Network World