NETWORK COMPUTING

Network computing represents a new computing paradigm in which all inf ormation, data and software applications reside on a network and are a ccessed on demand by users. This approach to computing offers the pote ntial for users to access 'everything' from 'anywhere', removing the c onstraints of localised storage of information and applications, and, based on evolving standards, allowing access from a range of 'informat ion appliances'. This paper introduces the basic ideas behind network computing, and examines a range of forms it could take. It describes t he current status of commercial network computing approaches, with par ticular emphasis on the use of Java language, and examines the associa ted benefits and technical issues. A prototype BT system, developed us ing Java client software and CORBA-based middleware, is described.