Sun captures two CNET awards for Internet excellence; the Internet's hottest online network for technology enthusiasts shines spotlight on Internet systems from Sun

Business Wire, April 3, 1997

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 1997--CNET: The Computer Network has selected two Sun Microsystems products to receive its Second Annual Awards for Internet Excellence; the JavaStation(TM) network computer and the Ultra(TM) Enterprise(TM) 2 server.

The CNET Awards were created to applaud the innovative products and companies that continue to advance the usefulness and usability of the Internet.

"When it comes to technical excellence and the Internet, Sun is probably in line for some sort of lifetime achievement award," CNET states. "But Sun has no intention of resting on its laurels."

The Sun Microsystems products rose above 24 finalists to win top honors in two categories; the JavaStation network computer for Best Internet Hardware, and the Ultra Enterprise 2 server for Best Internet Server Hardware. The selections were made by the team of editors, writers, producers and technicians of CNET. In their respective categories, the two Sun(TM) products outshone the other finalists, a group that CNET Editor in Chief Chris Barr said "seem to have leapfrogged ahead of the technological skyscrapers we awarded only a year ago."

"When not one, but two, of your company's products are pointed out as the best by CNET, you know you're on the right road," said Anil Gadre, Vice President of Marketing at Sun Microsystems Computer Company. "While CNET is dedicated to informing about the complete scope of the Internet, Sun is dedicated to providing the best products to realize the current and future capabilities of the Internet."

In explaining why the JavaStation was selected as Best Internet Hardware, the CNET Award in part proclaims: "The promise of the JavaStation and the potential that it might change the whole computing world make it the Internet hardware we're most eager to get our hands on." The JavaStation has also been noted as a "Product to Watch in 1997" by Business Week, one of "The Most Important Products of 1996" by Information Week, and a "Hot Product" by Data Communications magazine in January of this year.

In awarding the Ultra Enterprise 2 server the Best Internet Server Hardware of 1997, CNET offered the following: "Sun builds great hardware, and a heck of a lot of it is powering the Internet. Its latest creation, the Ultra Enterprise 2, will ensure things stay that way." Characterized as a "screamer," the award also pointed out that what makes Sun the first choice for most Webmasters is outstanding reliability. Our resident Sun expert put it best: `It just works.'"

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer(TM)," has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc., (NASDAQ: SUNW), to its position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $7 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com . -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, JavaStation, Ultra, Ultra Enterprise and The Network is the Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

Press announcements and other information about Sun Microsystems are available on the Internet via the World Wide Web using a tool such as Netscape or NCSA Mosaic. Type http://www.sun.com at the URL prompt.

CONTACT: Sun Microsystems Computer Company

Suna Kneisley, 415/786-3224

suna.kneisley@corp.sun.com

or

Lisa Ganier, 415/786-8088

lisa.ganier@corp.sun.com

or

Burson Marsteller for Sun

Mark Richardson, 415/463-4007

mark-palo_alto_richardson@bm.com