Sun, Intel team up
Broad technology alliance to allow Solaris to run on
Merced systems
December 16, 1997: 3:37 p.m. ET
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Intel Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc.
Tuesday announced a broad technology alliance that will allow
Sun software to run on Intel's powerful Merced microprocessor
chip expected to ship in 1999.
The patent cross-licensing agreement represents an
olive-tree branch of sorts for the two high-profile technology
firms that have become fierce rivals.
By joining forces with Intel, Sun hopes to ensure Microsoft
Corp.'s Windows NT operating system doesn't further erode
its market share in the corporate network market.
Based on the terms of the agreement, Sun will adapt its
version of the Unix operating system, called Solaris, to run on
Intel's chip.
In a conference call Tuesday, Janpieter Scheerder, president
of Sunsoft -- Sun's software unit -- said the company will
deliver a version of Solaris optimized for the 64-bit Merced
processor and will work with application makers to ensure
compatibility.
"We believe this further validates Solaris as a leader in
network software. This provides a powerful alternative to
Windows NT. Customers will have real choice in picking their
operating system. As the world moves to network computing,
the complete line of Sun products will give customers a great
alternative," he said.
John Miner, vice president and general manager of Intel's
enterprise server group, said the deal is an acknowledgment
that Solaris is a popular operating system that many people
would like to see run on Intel platforms. |
