NetBoot is a technology that allows a client computer to boot from a software image hosted on another computer. Of course, NetBoot is nothing new. It was debuted by Apple in the very first version of OS X Server over 10 years ago.
But, in the light of systems like Google Chrome OS, it takes on a whole new meaning. (I’m not saying Chrome OS is a cloud-based OS. It isn’t — it just makes you keep all your data and work in the cloud. But still.)
In a 2006 filing that was just awarded, the company outlined a unique approach to cloud computing that harnesses the power of networking-booting client machines. The paperwork outlines a system in which client machines could take advantage of custom software that could be easily edited by system administrators.
The dreamers in the world see this patent being all about cloud-booting OS X machines from Apple’s near-mythical North Carolina data center. In reality, this is probably just another case of Apple trying to cover its bases, patent-wise. Nevertheless, dream on, you crazy kids.
Article Via Apple Insider
