Network Computing: Restructuring How Scientists Use Computers and What We Get Out of Them

This article describes the network computer (NC), an alternative to the standal one PC. By shifting data storage and most processing to the server, any user can do any task from any NC. NCs provide a reliable, consistent interface for all users, and make it easy to provide group access to resources such as laboratory databases. NCs are intrinsically insulated from obsolescence, and offer economies of scale through shared hardware, software, and administration. In the future, stand-alone PC-driven laboratory equipment could be superseded by Java-based NC robots, controlled and monitored across the network.