[en] The kinetic theory of glass formation (Uhlmann 1972, Uhlmann ampersand Yinnon 1983) relegates the classical network theory to just one specific, though large and important, region of potential glass compositions. Accordingly, a large number of interesting oxide systems free of the network forming oxides of SiO₂, GeO₂, P₂O₅, B₂O₃, can be found and exploited for particular applications, e.g. attractive compromises between optical performance and stability. Identification and characterizations of glasses in such systems are briefly reviewed in what follows, stressing most recent developments, as well as less accessible reports. Cations of lower field strength not favoring oxide network formation will typically have absorption edges at desirable e.g. lower ir frequencies (higher wavelengths) in fibers guiding conventional laser frequencies. When higher linear and nonlinear refractivity is called for, optimization depends on a compromise between the positive effect of a high atomic number and low polarizability of oxygen with the negative effect of higher valency causing dilution with oxygen. Moreover, some systems free of classical network formers exhibit low scattering