Microsoft & Sun expand strategic alliance

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAVA) today announced that Sun has signed on as a Windows Server OEM. Additionally, Sun and Microsoft will collaborate to further enable deployment of Windows Server on Sun x64 systems.

“Today's announcement is another example of Microsoft’s commitment to 64-bit computing,” said Bob Muglia, senior vice president, Server and Tools Division at Microsoft. “The Sun hardware platform is an excellent foundation for Windows®-based enterprise solutions, such as Microsoft Virtual Server, Microsoft SQL Server™, Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition. Our customers will have an additional choice of Windows Server OEM partners with Sun.”

“Sun is now a single source for today's leading operating systems – Solaris™ and Windows – on the industry's most innovative x64 systems and storage products. Customers can now take advantage of the virtualization benefits of Windows and Solaris on Sun's energy efficient x64 systems,” said John Fowler, executive vice president, Systems Group, Sun Microsystems. “Microsoft's recognition of our x64 systems and storage systems is a testament to the superior system design at the heart of our product portfolio.”

Key components in today's announcement include:

Windows Server OEM Agreement – Sun will offer Windows Server on its x64 hardware and will provide additional utilities and value-added software offerings to server systems carrying Windows Server. Windows Server 2003 will be available on Sun x64 systems within 90 days.

Sun x64 Systems and Storage – Microsoft recognizes Sun’s compelling x64 server and storage products in the market today. Microsoft and Sun will continue to work together to test and validate the Windows platform on these systems for scale-up enterprise computing.

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