AltaVista Internet Software Inc. is developing "zero-footprint" software that will give people access to their company's servers from any Internet-enabled terminal.

AltaVista officials believe the new software will allow users to take advantage of growing access to Internet devices, whether they are Internet kiosks in hotels or Web television devices in hotel rooms, she said.

Zero-footprint software sits on a server and requires only a browser on the client side. The unnamed software that AltaVista is working on could copy a user's work environment from any Internet device capable of running a Java virtual machine.

The Digital Equipment Corp. spin-off is still a year or two away from delivering on the "just in time" technology, said Ilene Lang, president and CEO of AltaVista. Lang said an alpha version of the software could be available this summer.

Lang cautioned that some technical issues, such as preventing the caching of information on the local browser, still need to be worked out. But she said AltaVista already can leverage some of its current technology.

The tunneling technology would give users a secure and encrypted link from the terminals they use remotely and the server. The directory server would make it easier to pull down customized profiles, she said.

"And when you are done, all traces of you having been there disappear," she said.

AltaVista is working with third-party companies to develop the technology. The Littleton, Mass., company is at (508) 486-2017 or www.altavista.software.digital.com.

Source: PC Week