Last week Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced it would develop and support a platform for a networked computer. Today, long-time evangelist of the networked computer concept and head of Oracle Corp. [NASDAQ:ORCL], Larry Ellison, returned fire as he announced pricing as low as $300 for the new devices some of which are currently displayed at Oracle OpenWorld `96.

Oracle has its own reference platform, the standards for developing a working model of a networked computer. A subsidiary of Oracle, Network Computer Inc. (NCI), was created to further and support the platform. Oracle has also trademarked the term "NC" as a designation of devices built on the Oracle architecture. NCI will supply the database, networking software, applications, consulting and support services to implement the network computer into the corporate and consumer market.

NC devices vary from small cable-like set-top boxes to smart telephones, NC-capable televisions, and simple desktop computing devices. They are being marketed to general consumers, large and small businesses and corporations. Appearing in radically different forms, NC devices are defined by their simplicity, a reliance on remote servers for data storage and connectivity to the Internet, intranets and local area networks.

From the conference in San Francisco, RCA, Funai, Acorn Computer, Akai Digital, IDEA, Proton Industrial Electronic Co., Ltd. and Uniden announced pricing and production details for a number of products based on the NC reference design. RCA announced the lowest price device with a $300 price tag for an NC targeting the consumer market.

Availability of the announced devices vary from December to mid-1997 with the exception of IDEA's Internet Client Station for corporate markets. They announced immediate availability in the range of $500.

Acorn Computer, already shipping Acorn NCs to Europe, says additional unit are now ready in volume for US corporations. Acorn's NC is priced below $400.

Over the past year, Ellison has said, "The desktop personal computer has been around for more than 10 years. It has served its usefulness and now we are ready for a more affordable computer, affordable in front-end cost and affordable in operation. That is what the NC offers along with ease of use for consumers and corporations."