Sun Pitches Linux Desktop
Sun Microsystems, in a somewhat sarcastic open letter to IBM posted on Sun's Web site, is inviting Big Blue to purchase Sun's Linux-based Sun Java Desktop System for IBM's own employees. In a letter dated January 21 from Jonathan Schwartz, Sun executive vice president for software, Sun is proposing its server system, Java Enterprise System, for use by IBM employees as well. Schwartz says IBM in an internal memo challenged its own IT organization and all of the company to move to a Linux-based desktop before the end of 2005. "Now we all know how rumors can take on a life of their own in the press, but nonetheless I applaud IBM's efforts to reduce costs and complexity, and wanted to offer the benefit of Sun's experience in making the migration," Schwartz says.
Sun, he says, is not waiting for 2005 to migrate to a non-Microsoft desktop. Instead, Sun hopes to accomplish this by the summer with its Java Desktop System. The product set features the StarOffice productivity suite, Mozilla browser, Gnome windowing environment, and Linux. Saying Sun's desktop can save IBM "a ton of money," Schwartz says the product is the "most popular Linux desktop on the market today." "To help IBM with your transition, we can offer a desktop for every one of your employees--with a free right to use the desktop at home--for $50 [per] employee. Consider this a formal quote from Sun. But only if you're willing to buy in volume," Schwartz writes.
