Those familiar with the X Window system (also called X) value it as a network- and graphics-oriented windowing system that runs on a wide variety of machines. X uses a client/server architecture whose pieces have very few dependencies on the local operating system (UNIX, DOS, Apple MacIntosh, VMS, etc.). As a result, both X client and X server can run in completely different OS environments.
A PC user unfamiliar with X and already committed to the local Windows environment (Microsoft Windows, or Apple MacIntosh Windows, or another) might not immediately recognize the value of another windowing system running on the PC. Current computer manufacturers already recognize this value; nearly all of them have adopted X as a standard, because it offers an "open" networked windowing system that easily integrates with the local system.
Because manufacturers can justifiably sell the value of a PC X server, potential customers that are unfamiliar with X, yet interested in exploring its potential, might be tempted to purchase one copy of a PC X Server purely for test purposes. They might be expecting to use a PC X server as an application -- not as a server to applications that exist elsewhere. Without some further information, their reaction will almost certainly be "What do I do with it?" They need to know about the availability of the many public domain and commercial applications for X. They need to recognize the worth of an investment effort to develop an X program customized for their business needs -- a single programming effort that becomes immediately usable on several platforms. In short, they need to know more about X before they can tap its full promise as a low-priced, powerful, speedy, open, networked Graphical User Interface.
This white paper offers some information to help you explore the potential of a PC X server, especially X OnNet™: