At Internet World in Los Angeles this week, local boy Skunk Technologies Inc will reveal the beta version of its Java Entao Open Operating Environment. It comes as a server and a set of modules written in Java and was described by the company as a network operating system, but it’s not quite that. What it is however, is a server with clustering, load balancing and fault tolerance, support for Secure Electronic Transcation and Secure Sockets Layer protocols, replication and database communication. On top of that go the modules. Each one is less than 100Kb in size, according to the Santa Monica company. It is aimed at the network computer world right now, but the company could obviously do fatter clients if need be. The modules it has in beta test now are: Communications – chat, video conferencing and so on; Media for audio and video; Groupware and a database module, containing SQL and Object DataBase Connectivity links. A games module is planned, and the Commerce module will be ready once the SET protocol is finalized. Compliance with VeriFone Inc and CyberCash Inc’s electronic transaction software is also being prepared for that module. Next quarter Skunk will have a developer’s module – basically a software developers kit for module development. It will probably sell Entao under its own name as well as look for OEM partners. Available late in the second quarter, the Base Server will cost $8,000 and the total package with all the modules will be $15,000 – provisional at the moment, as it seems is the business plan.
