Sun Solaris Challenges Microsoft for Intranet Server Software Market; Aggressively Priced Software Combines Seamless Windows NT Interoperability, Browser-based Ease of Use and Unmatched Performance and Uptime

Business Wire, July 18, 1997

MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 18, 1997--Sun Microsystems, Inc. today unveiled Sun Solaris Server for Intranets, the first server software that provides comprehensive intranet services and WebTone reliability.

Solaris for Intranets -- starting at $1,290 list price -- is designed for network, department and line-of-business managers who want a fast, highly reliable and cost-effective way to deliver and exchange business information among employees, customers, partners and suppliers. The new offering also features SunLink software to easily connect workgroups and departments already running Windows, Windows NT, NetWare and other popular desktop and server platforms.

"Ninety-six percent of large companies have or are building intranets, according to Forrester Research," said Janpieter Scheerder, president, SunSoft. "Solaris for Intranets is the superior alternative to Windows NT for intranets and delivers all of the essential services a business requires from its network."

Why Not Get The Best?

Sun Solaris for Intranets includes complete intranet services such as integrated Web, e-mail, security and network management services. It also includes file sharing and printing capabilities for any document, including those created in Windows applications.

The proven reliability and scalability of Solaris allows network, department and line-of-business managers to rest assured that users will be able to access the intranet, regardless of the demands being made on the server. Solaris for Intranets, available for both SPARC- and Intel-based computers, is based on established Internet standards, provides industry-leading Java performance and is Year 2000 compliant.

Solaris for Intranets' new SunLink technology quickly and painlessly connects Windows, Windows NT, NetWare, Macintosh and OS/2 to all intranet services without installing additional software on the client desktop. SunLink allows PC desktop computer users to run popular applications such as WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel on their desktop computers and transparently link to Solaris servers to print and to access files and network and intranet services.

In addition, Solaris for Intranets works with all network computers, including JavaStations, as well as popular server-based applications such as Oracle, Sybase, Informix, Lotus Domino, Baan and SAP. It also provides Java browser-based setup and management, support for popular network and directory protocols such as DNS, SNMP and DMI, and easy database connection.

"SunSoft is providing an 'out-of-the-box' intranet software package for corporate departments or workgroups," said Jean S. Bozman, a software analyst at International Data Corporation in Mountain View, Calif. "Sun is a well-established player in the Internet/intranet server market with its Solaris operating system.

"Now, Sun is broadening its reach to business users by supporting a department's Windows PCs and NetWare LANs, and by using a Web browser interface to allow installation and management of the Solaris intranet server without special training."

Sun's new offering meets all the essential requirements of a corporate intranet and combines the best of Solaris and the PC. Solaris for Intranets includes:

-- SunLink -- easy connection into existing PC LAN environments

-- Sun Web Start -- easy browser installation and setup, and

remote administration

-- Solaris Server, Remote HotFix, clustering (Solstice HA,

optional); new level of reliability

-- Sun WebServer, Sun Internet Mail Server, SunScreen SKIP --

best Internet capability, performance and security

-- World's fastest Java environment

-- Runs 12,000 popular business applications

-- Two-hour service response option, seven days a week, 24 hours

a day

-- Support for wide range of SPARC and Intel hardware

-- Starts at $1,290

Solaris vs. Windows NT Pricing -0-

                             Solaris       Windows NT
Base Level Server
(5 Users)                       $695             $799

Intranet Server
(Base level server
plus Web server,
e-mail, security)             $1,290           $1,799