Sun's Software Sins

Sun’s software business has always been the real crown jewel of the company. That said, it also has always been relegated to a supporting role within a hardware business that has been marginalized over the past several years. That’s a shame given the software business’ amazing assets—from StarOffice and Java to an incredibly robust middleware lineup that includes identity management, directory services such as its N1 management and Java development tools. Let’s face it, these products have never been aggressively marketed and distributed because Sun has spent more time building a niche hardware business than a robust software solutions business. Not a good move considering the software/services dynamics driving the industry today.

STEVEN BURKE Can be reached at (781) 839-1221 or via e-mail at sburke@cmp.com.

Sun may be great at building software, but it is flat-out terrible at distributing and marketing it and building a broad and deep network of solution providers. An independent Sun software business with a robust channel model and savvy marketing arm would have wide appeal to thousands of solution providers and customers outside of the traditional Sun enclave. Remember, Sun only has about 700 partners in the United States. The company’s software is rock-solid and offers a compelling, less-pricey alternative to the Microsoft software licensing model. It may be time to let the business grow on its own, disentangled from the hardware business. When all is said and done, it would be a shame if those high-priced software assets remain relegated to an enterprise software socialist state rather than recognized as the foundation for a vital business driving breakthrough solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Do you think it’s time for Sun to spin off its software business? Let me know at (781) 839-1221 or via e-mail at sburke@cmp.com.

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