Wintel focuses on dumb terminals

"Thin-client" computing, so named because the desktop unit often relies on a server computer for storage and even processing functions, first gained attention with the much-hyped network computer. But the Windows-based Terminal stepped into prominence this week--and, lacking the notoriety of the NC, these terminals are gaining momentum.

Terminal makers open Windows Terminal vendors and now large corporate customers are signing on to the "thin-client" Windows platform. Thin-client servers to beta update Microsoft and Citrix Systems are set to release second betas of their much-anticipated server software for thin client computing. Intel, NCD team on thin clients Intel and terminal maker Network Computing Devices ink a deal to build desktop systems based on Intel's thin client specification.