17 Nov 1997
The four major backers of the Network Computer are joining to define a standard Java desktop environment, or 'Webtop', writes Dominique Deckmyn.
IBM, its Lotus subsidiary, Oracle and Sun have said this week that they are working together on a Webtop specification. They have not yet announced when it will be released, but a 'road map' is expected within a month.
The specification will offer developers a common set of services and APIs, which should speed up the development of Java applications. The specification will be licensed to hardware and software manufacturers.
IDC analyst Carsten Hejndorf said: 'There is definitely is a need for a consistent Webtop, with the same applications and the same environment, whether you are at the office or elsewhere'.
But he warned that thin client software must be able to integrate with the PC desktop environments if it is to be successful.
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