Larry Ellison, chairman and chief executive officer at Oracle Corp. [NASDAQ:ORCL] displayed the next step in his goal to change the world of computing from Windows-dominated desktops to an Oracle-based Network Computers (NCs) accessing a server-centric world of computing. The component long-awaited, a server environment, became more evident today with Oracle 8, the database technology needed to store and rapidly transmit content to thousands of NCs.

Ellison demonstrated his new system from Radio City Music Hall in New York to a live and electronically connected audience. Ellison proclaimed, "Oracle 8 is the component that makes network computing a reality."

Ellison's critics and even supporters of his NC have noted Ellison's year-long evangelizing of the NC, but questioned the existence of the most important element, the server environment which is critical to an NC.

Today, Ellison estimated the cost of running a Windows-based networked environment of five users at $23,423. He said the same computing capability using NCs and a NC server with Oracle 8 will cost $9,323.

Some analysts say there should be great demand for cutting the cost of computing in half. An NC - the client - is the big money saver, according to Ellison. The device relies on a server to manage applications and information normally stored on a desktop computer. Ellison says the NC will eventually replace Windows-based desktop systems in schools, homes, and businesses of all sizes.

"Oracle8 will be to Network Computing what Windows was to the old world of personal computing," proclaimed Ellison.

In support of the NC and providing critical components to the system are companies such as Cisco Systems, Intel Corp., Netscape Communications, RCA, Zenith, Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, Fujitsu, SAP, Peoplesoft and Baan.

The NC devices used in New York today were supplied by DEC and Funai. Some were powered by Intel microprocessors and some by StrongARM RISC microprocessors.

Another 200 partner product and service announcements are expected over the next month to support Oracle8 and Network Computing.