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Network Computer Reference Profile
Introduction
A rich heritage of open systems standards in a dynamic and heterogeneous computing environment led to the evolution of the Internet and network computing as it now exists. As the focus on the Internet, Intranets, and this network computing environment continues to increase, there will be a number of emerging technologies and potential standards, both open and proprietary, competing for acceptance. There will also be a growing variety of network-attached devices which will implement various profiles of these standards. As consumers, developers, manufacturers, corporations, education, government, service providers and others approach this complex and sometimes confusing landscape, it would be beneficial if there were a common set of guidelines which facilitate a broad application base, interoperability, simple and unified system administration, end-user ease of use, and low cost of ownership, to name a few.
To promote these guidelines, Apple, IBM, Netscape, Oracle and Sun are introducing a reference profile for the Network Computer. The NC™ Reference Profile is intended to provide a common denominator of popular and widely used features and functions across a broad range of scaleable network computing devices, including personal computers. The specifications in the NC Reference Profile are intended to be open standards which anybody can implement. The profile encourages interoperability among various NCs and is designed to facilitate development of a broad application base to run on compliant devices. The profile also provides guidelines to content and service providers for designing and building applications and other Internet content which will interoperate with profile-compliant devices.
The NC Reference Profile does not specify an implementation for a Network Computer, nor does it preclude additional features and functions outside the scope of the profile. It is open, flexible, architecturally neutral and is intended to facilitate the growth of Network Computers while helping to protect investments made by customers and content, system, service, and application providers.
Network Computers
NCs are expected to be highly scaleable and to span a product range from the palmtop to the desk-top. They attach to the network and interoperate with other network nodes and network content in an IP-based network. They are end-user devices. NCs adhering to the NC Reference Profile support a common Java-based programming environment enabling network-resident applications, as well as stand-alone applications, to execute on them. They are typically dependent on the network but may offer stand-alone functionality.
A variety of NCs will likely emerge in a number of different arenas. It is desirable that these NCs support a base level of standards, and that classes of devices, which may provide unique features and functions specific to their particular market, do so consistently and based on open system standards. As unique requirements or technologies emerge, the companies plan to recommend new profiles so the standards supported by these various NCs are selected thoughtfully and support a broad range of open network-based applications and content in a consistent and comprehensive fashion.
NCs are not intended to replace personal computers. Today's personal computers are fully capable of supporting the draft NC Reference Profile. However, unlike personal computers, NCs are designed from the outset with the network, Internet, and Intranets in mind. Additionally, NCs which comply with the profile are intended to have the following attributes:
- be architecturally neutral
- have a much lower total cost of ownership than personal computers
- have a lower entry price than a typical personal computer
- be significantly easier to use and administer
- enable security
NC Reference Profile*
The NC Reference Profile consists of a set of open standards and guidelines which form the basis of an NC. The initial NC Reference Profile will be made available in July 1996, for comment and review, and is expected to be finalized by participants in August 1996. The proposed NC profile is expected to include:
- The following resources guidelines:
- minimum screen resolution of 640 x 480 (VGA) or equivalent
- pointing device
- text input capability
- audio output
- persistent local storage not required
- Internet Protocol - NC devices participate in an IP-based network and will support IP as an underlying protocol. Specific hardware attachment to the network is not specified.
- The following IP-based protocols:
- TCP - the Transmission Control Protocol creates a stream-based network above IP. Secure connections, if supported, are provided by the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).
- FTP - the File Transfer Protocol allows NC-branded devices to exchange files using the popular FTP protocol. This is required only for those NCs which implement either a local or distributed file system and support file transfer.
- Telnet - telnet is a standard client/server protocol which enables character-based terminal emulation access to remote hosts. This is required only for those NCs which support a character-based console access to remote hosts.
- NFS - Network File System supports distributed file systems for NC devices. NCs which do not implement a distributed file system need not implement this protocol.
- UDP - the User Datagram Protocol is utilized by NFS and enables end-to-end application-specific communications.
- SNMP - Simple Network Management Protocol enables NC devices to participate in a network-managed environment
- The following boot and configuration options:
- DHCP - to simplify administration and installation Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol enables an NC to boot itself over the network, to dynamically acquire an IP address and to transmit configuration information over the network.
- Bootp - enables an NC to boot over the network
- The following World Wide Web standards:
- HTML - HyperText Markup Language is the publishing format for WWW sites (including CGI).
- HTTP - HyperText Transfer Protocol allows browsers to communicate with remote Web servers and for servers to communicate with NCs.
- Java Application Environment
- the Java Virtual Machine and runtime environment
- Java class libraries
- The following mail protocols:
- SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
- IMAP4 - Internet Message Access Protocol Version 4
- POP3 - Post Office Protocol Version 3
- The following common multimedia formats:
- Security features supported through emerging APIs
- Optional security standards:
- ISO 7816 (SmartCards)
- Europay/MasterCard/Visa specifications
Additionally, the NC Reference Profile will include recommendations for printing.
NC Reference Profile Process
The NC Reference Profile will respond to changing technologies and marketplace requirements. Additional profiles appropriate for specific network devices may also emerge. The companies are encouraging broad participation in authoring proposed profiles, commenting on and reviewing draft profiles, and endorsing profiles. The group is expected to meet from time-to-time to review the existing NC Reference Profile, consider enhancements or other changes to the existing profile or new profiles to support other classes of NC devices, and to otherwise promote profiles which are open, robust, and responsive to the marketplace.
NC Reference Profile Compliance
Suppliers who provide NC products which support the NC Reference Profile may carry the NC brand. The procedures for utilizing and complying with the brand will be developed over the next several months.
In addition to the NC brand for NC devices, an NC Friendly logo will be provided
to web sites which provide content compliant with the NC Reference Profile.
In order to use this logo, content on the web site should be accessible to
an NC device. While the web site may contain content outside the scope of
the NC Reference Profile, and certain profile-compliant devices may support
such content, the site should be capable of providing alternative content
which is NC Friendly.
* There are no express or implied patent, copyright or any other intellectual property rights or licenses granted hereunder and no warranty or assurance is provided regarding non-infringement of any intellectual property rights of any party.
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