Sun Microsystems today broke security, price and feature barriers in the enterprise desktop market with the PC industry's first alternative in more than 15 years. Sun's desktop solution includes the Sun Java Desktop System (formerly known as Mad Hatter) secured by the now ubiquitous Java Card smartcard, the new StarOffice 7 productivity suite, and the latest enhancements to the Sun Ray product line. The company also announced an outpouring of support from industry leading Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) including Adobe, Computer Associates and RealNetworks and a partnership with EDS to develop enterprise migration and support services.
The Sun Java Desktop System delivers a secure, familiar, affordable desktop solution for enterprise customers. At $100 per desktop, the system includes the full desktop environment and the latest release of Sun's fastest growing open and affordable office productivity suite, StarOffice 7, the latest release of the Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE) platform and the popular Mozilla browser, plus e-mail, calendaring and instant messaging applications.
"This week's onslaught of viruses and warnings make it painfully obvious that the proprietary desktop installed on 98 percent of the world's desktop PCs is a ticking time-bomb," said Jonathan Schwartz, executive vice president, Software at Sun. "Whether motivated by business continuity objectives, or a desire to save millions in licensing fees, enterprises, academic institutions and governments -- and ultimately consumers -- require a secure, credible and affordable alternative. By leveraging the security infrastructure in deployment on hundreds of millions of mobile phones and in use by the U.S. Government, the Java Card platform for microprocessor smartcard authentication is the foundation of the Java System, and its newest offering, the Java Desktop System."
According to research firm IDC, the installed base of paid Linux client operating environments will increase by 43.9 percent compound annual growth rate from 2002-2007. Market surveys show that close to 50 percent of Fortune 2000 CIOs are seriously considering alternative desktops based on cost and the need for more secure systems. Sun is responding to this demand by delivering three new breakthrough client technologies designed to drive down the cost and complexity of desktop computing.
The Sun Java Desktop System, which runs on x86- and SPARC(R)-based systems using either the Solaris OS or Linux OS, is designed to lower computing costs and reduce desktop management complexities while providing a familiar and secure environment. By focusing on interoperability and user familiarity, the Java Desktop System provides decision makers with a solution that plugs seamlessly into existing environments, working with current files, applications, systems and services.
The Java Desktop System supports connectivity to existing enterprise messaging servers as well as the new Java Enterprise System. Sun's desktop system also supports existing file and print services and includes the latest technology applications from RealNetworks, Adobe and Computer Associates.
"Computer Associates and Sun recognize the rising importance of Linux in the enterprise and are developing solutions to fully leverage its business potential," said Sam Greenblatt, senior vice president and chief architect for CA's Linux Technology Group. "CA is working closely with Sun to ensure that Java Desktop System adopters can effectively integrate this innovative desktop platform into their existing enterprise environments."
Sun and EDS recognize that a diverse workforce requires a flexible desktop solution that varies based on specific worker needs. EDS' support services will map to specific worker requirements across the enterprise and will help keep the platform more resilient. These services are an integral part of the Java Desktop Systems strategy, enabling customers to attain the security, reduced cost and increased reliability via the Java Desktop System.
"EDS is excited to support strategic alliance partner, Sun, in this unique desktop solution," stated Kim Stevenson, EDS Global Offering Executive, Desktop and Mobility Services. "We will assist Sun's efforts to drive down costs and complexity for the desktop environment by developing for customers a range of desktop services."