Sun Microsystems has released two bundled packages of
Java software - one for desktops and one for servers.
Sun's Java Enterprise System, a package of tightly bundled
server software, is available now for $100 per employee. It
includes Sun's products such as application server, directory
server, portal server.
Sun also released its Java Desktop System, a suite of
open-source products designed to compete with Microsoft's Windows
and Office software. The desktop system includes a version of
Linux, the Mozilla web browser and Sun's StarOffice productivity
suite. It is also priced at $100 per employee, or $50 for customers
who also buy the Enterprise System.
Sun said that businesses with fewer than 100 employees can
download the Java Enterprise System for free, minus any services
and technical support.
The company also announced pricing of $1,000 per processor for
embedded OEMs (original equipment makers) and independent software
suppliers, who it hopes will bundle the software with their
products.
Businesses will also be able to buy the Java Desktop System for
half price if they buy it before 2 June.
Sun said its Java Enterprise System is less complex to use and
maintain than software from other suppliers, because the products
have been tightly integrated and are upgraded all together each
quarter.
Sun added that businesses could also save money under the
per-employee pricing system, which is based on a company's total
headcount.
The Java Enterprise System is available for Solaris running on
Sun's Sparc chips and on x86 chips from Intel and AMD.
Next year it will be offered on Linux and Windows, which should
also help proliferate the use of the products.
James Niccolai writes for IDG News Service