The device was widely promoted by then-Apple director Larry Ellison, apparently as part of his Oracle Network Computer initiative.
[1] Products based on the Network Computer Reference Profile include diskless nodes, applications coded in cross-platform languages such as Java, and Internet connectivity using common software such as Netscape Navigator.
He suggested the network computer would have a "near-300 MHz" processor, a 17-inch screen, a price under US$1,000 (equivalent to $1,900 in 2023), and a hard disk drive option at $100.
"[3] While at Oracle, Ellison had overseen the development of a business alliance that produced several Network Computer-branded devices from companies such as Sun and IBM.
Jobs had already stopped all Macintosh clone efforts, including the Pippin concept and any prospects of the Mac NC.