Suite Spot

Looking for the next killer app on the 'net? If the competition brewing in the 'net suite industry is any indication, the Newest killer app is likely to come in the form of not just one app but instead a collection of apps. Suite packages have been available for the office for years, but only recently have companies realized the need for similar 'net packages. Typical suites will include most or all of the following apps: web browser, Newsreader, mail, ftp, and telnet clients. Unfortunately, the current offering of suites fail to live up to initial expectations; however, this is to be expected from such a New market. Many of these apps are available on the 'net only as beta releases -- you get a free demo and the companies in turn are able to test their products on a large audience -- and are likely to be different from their finalized commercial counterparts. The early leaders in this area are QMosaic Internet Toolbox and Emissary from Quarterdeck and Wollongong, respectively. While the apps featured in these packages are not as good as some of the standalone clients available, the smooth integration and easy access found in both packages warrants checking out. GNNWorks is another suite package that definitely merits attention -- its web browser is one of the best on the market. Also available is a suite from WinQVT, which has one of the best telnet clients on the market. I expect to see many more 'net suites to emerge in the near future, so keep an eye on this page... The following are brief descriptions of each application featured in The Suite Spot. - Forrest Stroud apps conference Main Menu