Microsoft sets new direction on terminals
Article Abstract:
Microsoft is developing an inexpensive thin client computer similar in design to the network computer promoted by Oracle, Sun Microsystems, and IBM. The Windows Terminal will not have a disk drive or stored applications, but will run Windows applications based on a Windows NT server. The announcement signals a major shift in Microsoft's business planning, since the company has disparaged the network computing trend, fearing a loss of market share for the Windows platforms and applications. However, network computers (NCs) have become increasingly attractive to companies with large networks, and technology from Cyrix will allow the thin clients to run Windows applications. NC sales are expected to grow from 1.7 million in 1997 to over 6.7 million by 2000; 58% of companies surveyed said they were considering purchasing NCs, although many NCs will replace terminals rather than PCs. Oracle announced the first major shipping of 2,000 NCs to 1-800-FLOWERS.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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Sun generates heat with network computer
Article Abstract:
Sun Microsystem is demonstrating a prototype of its information appliance. The system, which is supposed to be priced around $500, but will likely cost more like $700 to $1,000, contains its own processor but lacks a hard disk. All applications and data will be stored on a network server. Sun plans to ship its information appliance by the end of 1996, but has not announced the date or the price. The new product indicates a new direction for Sun, which previously focused on the workstation market. Proponents of the information appliance see it replacing expensive PCs, especially those based on Intel processors and Microsoft software. Information appliances will need to be very low priced in order to accomplish this, and many people see them as little more than a return to the dumb terminals of mainframe systems. Oracle is also demonstrating a prototype of its information appliance.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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Microsoft, Intel propose NetPC to blunt network computer push by Sun, Oracle
Article Abstract:
Microsoft and Intel are planning the development of a NetPC, an information appliance that will compete with the network computers promoted by Sun Microsystems and Oracle. The NetPC will employ Intel processors and Microsoft's Windows operating systems, which will appeal to companies who have already invested in Wintel systems. The NetPC will make some computing tasks much simpler, including software distribution. The systems will be priced under $1,000, but few specifics have been announced. Industry observers note that the announcement seemed hastily organized and formal specifications will not be available until late in 1996. Most major PC vendors are supporting the plan, including Compaq, HP, DEC, NEC, Toshiba and Gateway 2000. IBM will soon ship its competing IBM Network Station, and Sun is already introducing its JavaStation, priced at $742 without a monitor.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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