“Oracle spin-off The New Internet Computer Corporation (TNICC)
is just about to release a new network computer. Unlike Larry’s
early attempts, this is not a completely dumb device but includes
storage and Linux. As more and more devices such as these hit the
marketplace it raises the opportunity for businesses to actually
buy what they need rather than what they are told to buy.”
“The New Internet Computer (NIC), as TNICC has named this device
is based upon a 266MHz Pentium-class CPU with 64 MB of SDRAM, an
SVGA connection, 4MB flash memory as local storage, and a 24x
CD-ROM. The combined Linux and Netscape environment is stored
on the CD-ROM. There are Ethernet and modem options that
provide the connectivity.”
“This movement away from the dumb NC is a response to the
failure of such devices within the market. Whilst the principle of
thin-client access is well established, it has not been easy to
convince the user community to move away from the trusty PC system.
The NIC is a first step in establishing a smaller-scale alternative
that will allow some of the users’ favourite features to remain
whilst not encouraging ‘fat’ applications. It won’t be long
before the need for more and faster storage dictates the insertion
of a small hard drive and then, perhaps, businesses will have a
choice of which technology to put on their desktops.”