Sun software takes aim at Windows

[dArKeR]

In a move aimed squarely at Microsoft Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc. is unveiling on Tuesday a suite of software for businesses that want to dump — or just can't afford — the Windows operating system on their companies' desktop computers.

The Sun Java Desktop system, which was formerly code-named Mad Hatter, runs on the open-source Linux operating system and includes a variety of programs that replace Microsoft's Internet browser, productivity suite and other parts of the Windows package.

Sun officials say its system will cost as little as $50 (U.S.) per user per year and can be installed on any computer that can run Microsoft's Office 2000. The software also is designed to interoperate with Windows-based programs such as Exchange and Microsoft Office.

http://theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030916.gtsunsep16/BNStory/Front/

[barbaraann]

1. GO, SUN!!!!!!!

Sun has really taken a beating and I'm glad to see they aren't giving up.

[alfredo]

2. All of my machines are PPC

But If I got an Intel machine it would run a UNIX/Linux OS. I hope they are successful.

[uberotto]

7. Linux OS runs on PPC...

http://www.yellowdoglinux.com/ is a distribution that is targeted specifically at PPC. RedHat and SuSe also distribute PPC version.

But since PPC doesn't do windows, there really isn't as much incentive for people with PPC processors to jump into the Linux pool. Apple is already based on BSD.

[cprise]

3. The descriptive word here is JAVA

And it appears designed to ease people into Sun's own Solaris OS (which will also be sold in this format).

Curiously, Sun is only one of two comanies (the other is Microsoft) paying SCO millions of dollars for their bogus Linux licensing demands. Some people think this is just a front for those companies to finance a legal war against open source software.

[TrogL]

4. Sun has no problem with open source

They ship it with the OS and they've been doing some contributing.

[cprise]

5. Go read the article on CNN today about Bill Gates

Apparently he has seen the light and is ready to 'embrace' open source.

This occurs within months of MS dumping millions of dollars on SCO to finance their attack on Linux.

Sun is not much different (and also happens to be the only other company paying SCO for Linux "licenses"). Those two, if anyone, should be beyond this fiction.

As for Java as open-source, an important condition is that Sun (a corporate entity) retains control. Changes for the better of the community cannot be made if it significantly hits Sun's bottom-line.

[German-Lefty]

6. This just in SUN's stock's getting smaked down

2.93 EUR or -11% off yesterday.

The promised $0.01 earnings and just now annouced $0.07-0.10 loss expected for the quarter.