New Server-based software that lets so-called network computers (NC) access existing host and Windows applications was demonstrated last week at Comdex, Fall '96.

SoftNC, from TriTeal Corp. in Carlsbad, Calif., is Java code that creates a graphical end-user display that is downloaded to the NC. From this display, users can access Unix, Windows and mainframe applications via other TriTeal products on servers, as well as download and run Java applets.

The software lets NC users organize, manage and navigate their desktop environments.

SoftNC has been licensed by several NC vendors selling the systems as low-cost, easy-to-use alternatives to full-blown PCs. Fujitsu, Ltd., Japan Computer Corp., Network Computer Devices, Inc. and Wyse Technology, Inc. have all licensed SoftNC.

TriTeal's software creates a common user desktop across all these NCs. The NC user turns on his network computer and logs on to the network via the SoftNC LoginManager. In response, a Java server downloads about 1.5M bytes of Java applets, including the Java Virtual Machine (the engine that interprets the Java code) and host computer emulators.

These applets represent a customizable graphical display that shows what applications a given user is allowed to access. Via TriTeal's other server products, TriTeal Enterprise Desktop (TED) for Unix servers, and NTED for Windows NT, and 95 application servers, the user can activate existing applications on remote servers.

TED creates a common user interface that runs across different Unix systems. NTED relies on Citrix Systems, Inc.'s multiuser version of Windows NT, called WinFrame. The 3270 and 5250 emulators let users access mainframe and Application System/400 applications.

SoftNC is sold to OEMs and is expected to ship with the first NCs in early 1997. TED and NTED server software is available from TriTeal.

Source: Network World