Thin-Client Computing

As the hype dies down, there's a clear business case for thin clients.

Dick Pountain

Despite all the hype, 1997 was not the year of the network computer (NC). So far, sales of NC devices have been disappointing. However, there are still some compelling arguments for thin-clien t computing. Market forecasters at Frost & Sullivan reckon that this year the NC market volume will be $138 million. Therefore, expect to see many new NC-related products at CeBIT 98.

One factor that has held back the adoption of NCs is the perception that there are too many different NC designs and OSes and too few server-based applications available to run on them. However, in Europe and els ewhere, the increasing acceptance of Java and more-robust Web technologies is now changing that mind-set.

Powerful NC applications are here, and more are rapidly arriving on the scene. Contenders to look for at CeBIT include Java-based office packages, such as Applix's Anyware Office, Lotus's Kona, and new developments from StarOffice. Corel has scrapped plans for a full Java rewrite of its WordPerfect Suite 8 in favor of its Remagen product, which will give Java-enabled thin clients access to the conventional WordPerfect Suite software running on a server. (At press time, it was unclear whether Remagen would be ready in time for the show.)

Microsoft has an interesting alternative to the NC. By adopting Citrix's MultiWin technology, which elevates Windows NT to a multiuser OS, Microsoft has ensured that many users can run standard MS Office applications simultaneously from an inexpensive Windows terminal. The MultiWin server software, code-named Hydra, will be part of NT 5.0 and on display at Microsoft's CeBIT stand. Show visitors interested in MultiWin technology should also look for Citrix's PICAsso thin-client/server system, which closely integrates with Hydra.

Several hardware manufacturers will have Windows Terminals on display at the show. These include Tektronix, with its £500 ThinStream, and Boundless Technologies, with its Viewpoint.

At a Glance:

Several hardware makers will have new designs of NCs and Windows Terminals at the show. Look for systems that integrate with Microsoft's Windows-based Terminal Server Hydra, such as Citrix's PICasso.

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European NC Market Volume

European NC Market Volume
	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
Millions of U.S. dollars	61	138	276	482	694	1014
Source: Frost & Sullivan

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What's Important in 1998

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