I agree with the assertion that there is a balance between desktops and servers. However, I think if you look at the macro trend, you will see that the balance is shifting over the years.
For example, when engineering workstations first emerged, Sun had a huge percentage of the market (post Apollo Comp). If you wanted to run engineering apps, such as CAE, CAD, scientific, etc, your only alternative was a true engineering workstation such as a Sun box.
Now, the typical engineering workstation is in fact a PC. Yes, there will always be a need for 'high end' workstations, and Sun may be able to dominate that niche market, but the engineering desktop battle has been lost to Sun.
I remember the hoots when, back in the '80s, the first PC CAE/CAD packages came out. People scoffed at the idea that engineers could get REAL work done on a PC. Now, I can imagine the new young gun engineers scoffing at the thought of needing an expensive Sun box at all.
Excellence in engineering will not save a company without vision. If Sun wants to continue to be marginalized, they should continue on their current path. If Sun wants to dominate again, they must reinvent their value proposition. |
