Next up: The “Zero” Client

Now here’s an interesting concept I came across on Gizmag (a very cool site itself). It’s a “zero client” system by Pano Logic with “no processor, no operating system, no memory, no drivers, no software and no moving parts.” I don’t know about zero client since there’s still a 2″ x 3.5″ x 3.5″ box sitting on your desk, connected to your monitor, keyboard, network, and audio, but it’s a neat concept for clearing desktop clutter nonetheless. Like any other “thin” client, the Pano device also requires a server-side component to connect to for processing, storage, etc.

This reminds me of the NC. For those of you who were in the industry in the mid-90s, you’ll remember the network computer (NC) revolution. It was going to change the world, how we used computers, how we operated our businesses…and then it fizzled out like many other neat IT concepts. Now that virtualization has a strong grip on the industry, I suspect something like the Pano device could take hold as well. Maybe an acquisition target for Microsoft or Google? I’m a bit skeptical but I love this kind of innovation – it’s what makes the world go ’round…and keeps us employed!