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So you say you want to run all those juicy apps from Microsoft, but you're not willing to lock into Windows? Until last week the solution to that problem was the null set. But now Insignia Solutions^®, a leading provider of cross-platform compatibility software, has released a Java-based client that executes Windows apps on any Java-capable platform.

The solution is an updated version of Insignia Solutions NTRIGUE^TM client for Java^TM, part of the company's latest upgrade to NTRIGUE, its Windows NT^® application server for delivering Windows^® programs to clients across the enterprise and Internet.

Love the apps, lose the lock-in

The NTRIGUE Client for Java enables corporate sites to standardize on Windows^®-and Windows NT^®-based applications without putting WIndows on every desktop. Two versions of the new client will ship as part of the fifth NTRIGUE Product Enhancement Pack (PEP-5) this month.

Both versions 1.03 and 1.10beta of the client are based on Insignia's open, portable Keoke^TM technology.

Java Client version 1.03 is an update to the version supplied with PEP-4, a previous NTRIGUE upgrade, and includes the latest fixes and performance enhancements. Version 1.10b is a beta release that includes data compression capabilities for optimized performance on low bandwidth connections.

"The NTRIGUE Client for Java provides an excellent integration solution for companies who want to standardize on Windows and Windows NT line of business and productivity applications," said Joseph A. Taglia, Insignia's senior vice president and general manager for the NTRIGUE product group. "And when combined with Sun's powerful new Java engine, it will deliver Windows applications to these platforms at even better performance than it currently does."

Intriguing: the NC as X-terminal

The NTRIGUE Client for Java uses Keoke, a specially designed protocol developed by Insignia Solutions to manage the connection and data flow between a Java-enabled network computer and an NTRIGUE server. The Client is a Java applet, downloaded transparently from an Intel-based server running NTRIGUE to any Java desktop.

Keoke technology is a "thin" version of the standard X Window System graphics protocol which was designed and optimized for distributing graphics over a network. Keoke employs a subset of the X protocol and is optimized for distributing graphics over a LAN/intranet to Java desktops. Based on X, Keoke is a powerful and portable technology that can support all Java virtual machines, thereby eliminating customers' concerns about the inability to run Windows applications on Java desktops. Keoke's portable and open technology ensures continued support for a wide range of desktops.

The Client will be bundled on Sun's network computer product line, allowing JavaStation users to connect to an NTRIGUE server and run Windows applications with a mouse click.

NTRIGUE, meanwhile, is Insignia Solutions' NT application server solution for delivering Windows applications to enterprise desktops, including PCs, X terminals, UNIX^® workstations, Macintosh^® computers and network computers such as the HDS @workStation^TM and Sun's JavaStation. NTRIGUE includes Citrix^® Systems Inc.'s WinFrame^® product.

About Insignia

Insignia Solutions aimes to be the premier, worldwide supplier of quality software solutions that enable its customers to use Windows applications on diverse platforms throughout the enterprise and over the Internet. The company's SoftWindows^TM product delivers Windows and MS-DOS^® applications to standalone desktops, and its NTRIGUE product delivers Windows 95, Windows 3.x and Windows NT to a variety of enterprise desktops via a Windows NT server. The publicly-held company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. For additional info, call Insignia at 800-848-7677.

Insignia Solutions and Insignia are registered trademarks and NTRIGUE and Keoke are trademarks of Insignia Solutions Inc. SoftWindows is a trademark used under license. Sun is a registered trademark, and Java and JavaStation are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Citrix and WinFrame are registered trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. HDS and WorkStation are trademarks of HDS Network Systems, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark licensed exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd. All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.