Lotus eSuite Set to Run on Sun Microsystems JavaStation Network Computer; First Complete Java-based Productivity Solution Brings Compelling Applications to JavaStation NCs

Business Wire, Nov 3, 1997

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 3, 1997--Sun Microsystems, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise computing solutions, today announced its support of Lotus Development Corporation's new eSuite WorkPlace, which will run on Sun's JavaStation network computer, is written entirely in Java and is the first comprehensive, thin client productivity solution built with JavaBeans components.

"We are extremely pleased that Lotus' eSuite productivity applications will be available from Lotus for our JavaStation customers," said Steve Tirado, director of product marketing for Sun's Java Systems Group. "Since Lotus' Java-based eSuite WorkPlace offers a full range of applications -- word processing, spreadsheet, calendaring and email, among others -- JavaStation users will now be able to truly leverage Java's advantages across the enterprise."

"Java has enabled us to create a new class of applications from the ground up," said Joseph Forgione, vice president of business development for Lotus' Internet Applications Division. "By delivering eSuite for thin client products like the JavaStation network computer, we are able to provide the benefits of network computing -- lower total cost of ownership, greater productivity, simpler and faster software upgrades -- across the enterprise. We are looking forward to working closely with Sun to make it easy for Sun's JavaStation users to take advantage of eSuite."

Pricing and Availability

Lotus eSuite WorkPlace is expected to be available in Q1 1998 throughout the United States. Lotus eSuite WorkPlace has an estimated introductory price of $49 per user and will be available through Lotus' Passport resellers, Lotus' ESD resellers, Lotus' Web site, OEM partners, and ISVs. All eSuite licenses will be sold with a subscription that includes one-year product updates and access to a monitored Administrators' Forum.

For the latest information on the Lotus eSuite product line, please visit the Lotus Web site (http://esuite.lotus.com). Customers can also call 1-800-555-5921 in the U.S., or 1-800-GO-LOTUS in Canada.

About Sun Microsystems

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer," 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 that $8.5 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com .

About Lotus Development Corporation

Lotus Development Corporation, founded in 1982, is a subsidiary of IBM Corporation. Lotus offers high quality software products and services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allow users to access and communicate information in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. Lotus now markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous professional consulting, support and education services through the Lotus Services Group. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, JavaStation, JavaBeans, Java, JavaOS, and The Network Is the Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

Lotus is registered trademark, and Lotus eSuite and eSuite are trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation.

CONTACT: Thomas Associates, Inc. for Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Ryan Donovan, 650/596-2700, ext. 212

ryan@thomaspr.com

or

Lois Paul & Partners for Lotus Development Corp.

Dawn Geary, 617/238-5724

dawn_geary@lpp.com

or

Lotus Development Corp.

Adam Banker, 617/693-0424

adam_banker@lotus.com