SUN takes on Microsoft
 

CNN, 16th Sept:

SAN JOSE, California (AP) -- In a move aimed squarely at Microsoft Corp., Sun Microsystems Inc. unveiled 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 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..................

Sun also announced a major upgrade to its StarOffice productivity suite. Sun's Larry Singer said it would work better than previous versions with Microsoft's competing Office suite.The software, formerly called Project Orion, has been officially named Java Enterprise System. It's priced at $100 per employee per year.

"It's kind of taking a page out of Microsoft's books," Singer said. "We are for the first time introducing a suite of products that have greater value as the sum of the parts than the parts themselves."

Don't think that M$ will be quite shaking in their overpriced boots as until someone invents a desktop operating system that software writers start to mass develop for then windows will lead the way.

I have used the alternatives but in the modern working environment if it is not M$ then forget it. Yes there are those who are moving to Linux but I'd rather have a penny for every M$ bit of software that is sold then a pound for all Linux related application sold.

Seems another desperate toe in the water from the ailing Sun.