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Catch the NC wave
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January 8, 1999 by Brett J. Snyder |
From...
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(IDG) -- The PC is the dominant interface for today's Web surfers, but do the masses really need or want all that computing power? What about people who merely want to use e-mail, purchase goods and services, improve their education, or just be entertained via the Internet? Will they be willing and able to pay for unnecessary extras that are not required to accomplish these tasks?
 INTERACTIVE:
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The Internet is causing a paradigm shift from independent desktop computing toward a network-centric model that will employ everything from servers, personal computers, set-top boxes, wireless phones, and pagers, to an entire embedded market (smart cards, heat pumps, refrigerators, microwave ovens, and, yes, even toasters).
The network computer is likely to be a major force behind this continuing paradigm shift, but what attributes should these NCs have in order to make this shift happen more quickly?
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The following are some features that could prove to be strategic.
- Portability. As a civilization on the go, what good is technology if we can't take it with us?
- A very small OS footprint. If we want fast load times and minimal hardware needs, minimal OS bloat is a necessity.
- Minimal power requirement. Because many of these devices need to be portable, the chips should run on low power.
- A true plug-and-play device. Eventually NCs need to be like telephones, available at a moment's notice.
- Easy to use and learn. Who wants to waste time learning how to use something?
- Inexpensive. Those who can not afford a PC need an alternative -- in fact, they need many. By my estimate, a fully equipped NC should cost between $100 and $500.
- Cross-platform dependability. When the key network industry players organize and support cross-platform compatibility, dependability across the network will be assured.
- Stability. If we are running our businesses on these devices, we can't afford to have much downtime.
- Fast response time to user commands. If the Internet has taught us anything, it is that we do not like to wait for our information. We have the need for speed.
- Zero maintenance. We are not mechanics and therefore have little use for products that need much maintenance. If the network computer has to go to the shop regularly, it will not work well as a network device.
- Wireless. As society becomes more mobile and the cell phone infrastructure grows, wireless NCs will eventually become commonplace.
How will the network computer affect you?
Time is money, and if we are forced to spend thousands of work hours connecting, maintaining, and upgrading the network, the cost of the network will rapidly get out of control.
Efficient companies that intelligently apply the latest technologies have a huge advantage over competitors that fail to recognize fundamental changes in their industry. NCs and information appliances are likely to ease the access to information for employees and consumers alike.
The paradigm shifts occur because a new and innovative idea brings about an increase in efficiency. It happened with the PC, and it is happening again with the network computer.
Who wants to be blamed for missing an obvious paradigm shift? Not IT folks, that's for sure. If you let the NC pass you by, your company has the chance of becoming like a dinosaur: extinct.
The bottom line is that the PC is not going away. There will always be those who need or desire a lot of computing power.
However, if you want an efficient network connection device that requires minimal maintenance, a fast learning curve, and easily upgradable technology, the NC is your answer.
Brett J. Snyder is the founder and Webmaster of both the World Peace Newsletter and International Equipment Components in Signal Hill, Calif. He can be reached via e-mail at whirrldpeas@yahoo.com.