Network computing: a tutorial review

Network computing is generally considered to be an unsuccessful initiative. It is strongly associated in the minds of many with the overhyped network computer that failed to capture a significant market share from PCs. However, network computing and network computers are not synonymous. In fact, one of the major benefits of network computing is the ability to tailor applications to the capabilities of heterogeneous client devices. Given the very fast growing mobile computing market, with its numerous and diverse terminal types, network computing could at last realise its full potential. This tutorial paper provides an overview of computing from the early mainframes to today's multiplicity of computing devices. The advantages of network computing are discussed and an overview is provided of some of the underpinning technologies. To provide an insight into the potential of network computing, two applications are described. Some overall conclusions are also given.