As a subscriber promotion, NC World magazine and Network Computer Inc. (NCI) are giving away a free NCI Network in the Box and an RCA Network Computer in a drawing that will take place on November 1st. NCI has chosen NC World as its partner in this promotion due to the publication's unique prominence as an authoritative Web publication dedicated exclusively to issues of network-centric computing.

This promotion is intended to draw attention to NC World, a Web-only publication from Web Publishing Inc. Its proactive approach to reader advocacy is demonstrated by "Running Interference," NC World's monthly expose' of misinformation about network computing in the media, and by its recent submission of a new reference profile for the Network Computer. Created by Founding Editor Rawn Shah, the NC World specification, called the Standards- based Profile for an Internet Computing Environment (SPICE), was designed to be much more specific than the current NC Profile, with particular regard to issues of platform compatibility as this new industry develops. The profile, has garnered positive response from The Open Group, and is currently published at NC World along with a request for comment.

NC World is published on the 10th of every month and periodically updated between issues as newsworthy events occur. NC World is not related to Network Computing Inc. or Oracle Corporation.

A pilot program in a box

The NCI Network in the Box is a turnkey hardware and software solution for business-related network computing. It contains five Intel-based Network Computer clients and one NC Server. The NCI Network in the Box can be an instant pilot program for any business, large or small, that wants to experience the viability of this powerful, easy to manage yet inexpensive alternative to large systems and networked PCs.

"The Network in the Box is a brilliant idea to reach the half-convinced," says Nicholas Petreley, Editor-in-Chief of NC World. "Because it is basically a turnkey solution, NCI is making it easy to pilot the concept of Network Computers without having to deal with the fuss of designing a test bed or trial network for that purpose."

Network Computers are receiving increasing attention as companies who have been testing them in pilot programs discover the significant cost savings and increased security they can reap from this new paradigm. According to one NC World case study, the Retired Persons Services (RPS) for AARP expects to save over $32 million in support and services over five years by installing thin clients where it once would have used PCs.

Serving the home market

The RCA Network computer is a home network computing device that works in conjunction with your TV receiver. Developed with the NetChannel, Inc. personalized Internet service, and a Network Computer, Inc. (NCI) reference design, the new product is the first consumer application of the "network computer," an emerging, simplified computer terminal that attaches to a standard TV which connects the user to the Internet and to anyone with an e-mail address.

The RCA Network Computer simplifies the reception of printed and pictorial information in the home by using a TV-type remote control to operate the new services as well as normal television programming. "The familiar remote control is the new way to expand computer applications in the home," said Louis E. Lenzi, Vice President, Multimedia Products & Services for Thomson Consumer Electronics. Other prospects for the new RCA-brand product are some 17 million homes with personal computers that do not have a modem to connect them to the Internet.

Acknowledging the growing interest in content control, the personalized Internet service for the RCA Network Computer includes parental controls to block explicit content. Targeting a potential market of some 60 million television-equipped homes, the RCA Network Computer planned for introduction in September establishes television receiver manufacturers as formidable competitors in the emerging world of digital technology for the home.

How to qualify for the drawing

Anyone interested in the world of network-centric computing will be automatically qualified for the November drawing simply by subscribing to NC World magazine at http://www.ncworldmag.com . Subscriptions are free and no password is required. Existing subscribers are already qualified and do not have to re-subscribe. Subscribers get e-mail alerts with special features and pointers to the latest events in network computing. The drawing will be held on November 1st. Two subscribers will be selected at random-one will receive the Network in the Box, the other will receive the RCA Network Computer.

NC World, a fast-growing free Web-only publication, is the bold authority on network-centric computing. NC World serves the growing network-centric computing community, from the network computing professionals who design and implement solutions in corporate Information Systems departments to the executives who build corporate computing strategies.

Web Publishing Inc. is a business unit of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research and exposition company. IDG publishes more than 275 computer magazines and newspapers and 430 book titles, produces 90 expositions, and provides IT market analysis through 41 research centers worldwide. Company information and access to more than 125 IDG World Wide Web sites is available at http://www.idg.com .

Source: Web Publishing Inc.