A new study exploring how end users actually work with their PCs suggests that about two-thirds of users might readily swap out their desktop machines for Java-based network computers (NC).

The Datapro Information Services Group study of nearly 2,200 users found that most of them work infrequently and for fairly short periods of time with such classic PC applications as word processors and spreadsheets. By contrast, according to the study, users spend much more time accessing corporate databases, E-mail, Web information and mainframe applications. All these are functions for which NCs are said to be ideal, said John MacGilvary, a chief analyst with Datapro here.

In January and February, Datapro telephoned a random sampling of computer users to find out how they used computers and what users liked and disliked about computers. Overall, about two-thirds of the sample said they would consider using an NC, if it met certain needs.

The users said today's PCs are important to them because PCs let them store files locally (88%); they can customize their work environment (77%); a floppy disk drive is convenient for transferring information (72%); and it lets them work if the network crashes (59%).

MacGilvary acknowledged that not all these requirements can be satisfied today by Java NCs, which are just coming to market.

To do so will require, for example, more reliable networks so users can be sure of accessing remote files whenever they need to, thus eliminating the need for large-scale local file storage.

Source: Network World