Sun Delivers on Promise of Java Technology; Unveils the Industry's First Complete Java Client, Server, Software and Services for Business

Business Wire, Oct 29, 1996

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 29, 1996--Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced a comprehensive worldwide Java(TM) Computing initiative by unveiling an array of solutions targeted specifically at enterprise companies. Sun's offering consists of several new products, including the much-anticipated JavaStation(TM) network computer, services and partnerships - all leveraging the power and flexibility of Sun's Java technology.

Sun's announcement also includes efforts by the leading system integrators, nearly 400 independent software developers and a dozen major corporate customers, such as BT (British Telecommunications plc), CSX Corp., Federal Express, Corp., First Union Corp. and FTD, Inc.

Aimed at slashing the enormous cost of networked environments, Java Computing will enable Fortune 1000 companies to ease the burden of network and desktop administration, speed application development and deployment and improve network security. Because Java technology allows developers to write applications that will run on any device, Java Computing shifts applications and storage from the desktop to the network and the server. The advantages of this truly platform independent approach to network management could save many large companies anywhere from 50 percent to 80 percent on the total cost of ownership, based on figures compiled separately by Sun and a major market research firm looking at "fat client"-related costs in a 1000-node enterprise.

Sun's announcement includes the first family of zero-administration JavaStation network computers designed for desktop and embedded environments, a complete line of easy-administration Netra(TM) j servers with fully integrated software for Java Computing and network client support, and a full array of software and integration services that will help businesses leverage Java technology across even the most diverse, multi-platform networks.

Nearly 450 applications - for mission critical, office productivity, Web, Internet, integration, service and development purposes - have been developed to date. Among those developing business, productivity and development tools are: SAS Institute; Computer Associates International; Computron Software, Inc.; Oracle Corp.; Applix, Inc.; Reuters New Media; SAP AG; The BAAN Co.; IBM; Bulletproof Corp.; Visigenic/Hitachi; Corel Corp.; Interleaf, Inc.; Informix Corp.; Lotus Development Corp.; EPS, Inc.; and Sybase, Inc./Powersoft.

In addition, nearly a dozen major companies are implementing Java Computing pilot programs this year. They include: Federal Express; FTD; CSX; BT; The First Union National Bank Capital Markets Group; and the Eastman Kodak Co. "Java Computing is exciting developers, integrators and investors because, after 10 years of struggling through ever-growing complexity and cost in the enterprise, we're finally on the verge of a huge break in the evolution of technology," said Ed Zander, president of Sun Microsystems Computer Company. "First came mainframes then minis and then PCs. Now Java Computing is poised to kick off the fourth big wave in information technology by filling a need for real products and systems that can leverage the network to do high-powered, mission critical work at a drastically reduced cost."

"Java Computing is evolutionary technology with a revolutionary impact," he said. "It moves the computer's functionality and complexity to the network, freeing companies to do whatever makes the most sense at the desktop. And because they no longer have to tend to the rising cost and complexity of the PC-bloated network, CEOs, CFOs and CIOs have more time and resources to spend focusing on breakaway business strategies."

Fully configured, JavaStation systems will start at less than $1,000 with entry systems priced at around $750. But the initial hardware and software costs pale in comparison to what companies will save in the long run on total cost of ownership. Indeed, industry estimates put the average annual cost of administering a single PC in a network at about $11,900, or approximately $35,700 over three years. Hardware and software only account for about 21 percent of that cost, according to industry estimates. By comparison, Sun estimates a JavaStation will require about $2,500 per year to administer, or about $7,500 for three years. For Fortune 1000 companies with thousands of desktop PCs in their enterprise, the move to a Java platform could slash total cost of ownership by tens-of-millions to hundreds-of-millions of dollars.

Several Sun system integrators also stepped forward with plans to offer broad support for clients implementing Java Computing integration expertise, including Andersen Consulting, Cambridge Technology Partners, EDS, Perot Systems, Cap Gemini and Sun Integration Systems.

Java Spans The Enterprise

The JavaStation family begins shipping in late December for developers and large customers; volume shipments for widescale deployment on the desktop will begin in February 1997. JavaStation is very lightweight and no bigger than a sheet of typing paper. It has no hard drive, no slots, no floppy, no CD-ROM player, no jumpers, no moving parts to worry about. The basic components that allow it to access the Internet and the network include: a microSPARC(TM)II chip; memory scaling from 8 MB to 64 MB; 10BaseT networking that will expand to 100 BaseT by mid-1997; and either a 14-inch or 17-inch XVGA color monitor. In the future, Sun will add PPP and Flash RAM features.