Sun Fortifies x86 For Open Source
The company announced expanded hardware support for x86 systems, adding 100 new third-party systems and 100 new components to its Hardware Compatibility List; introduced a hardware certification test suite (HCTS) and promotion program; and expanded its partnership with Electronic Business Solutions (EBS) by authorizing EBS to provide sales, integration and services support for Solaris OS x86 platform on HP's ProLiant servers.
"The mix of ProLiant servers with the x86 platform provides a very robust and secure environment and extends the reach of the No. 1 Unix operating system," says Ann Wettersten, vice president of marketing for Sun's software systems group. "We're active in the government, financial, retail and telecommunications sectors, and we see SMB as a strong potential market."
EBS is an OEM technology provider in North Billerica, Mass., that both resells solutions and OEMs and integrates hardware and software. Company president and CEO Fran Oh says the expanded partnership will help VARs sell to more government agencies, which often favor open systems.
"x86 has historically only run on the Sparc platform, so this opens the door to government customers and others who prefer open systems," she says.
EBS systems engineer Keith Gauvin adds that the company can help existing customers that are in the market for Unix workstations.
"These people often lean toward Linux but may also have Solaris code," he says. "Now we can more confidently integrate the two for them, and for customers that run not very mission-critical applications and have embraced open source for cost reasons, Sun can now play more in this arena."
Going forward, this might even include some genuinely mission-critical applications, Gauvin says, because the Trusted Solaris secure operating system is now compatible with open source environments as well.
The HCTS is available immediately and enables integrators, systems and independent hardware vendors to self-certify their x86 platforms. Sun officials say Solaris 9 OS x86 users and vendors are invited to participate, test and list their products on the official Sun Solaris 9 OS x86 HCL site.