Startups and Leading SPs Flock to Sun's '.com' Initiatives
More than 80 ASPs, ISPs, NSPs Join for Benefits of ServiceProvider.com Program; 120+ Startups Sign Up for Sun Developer Connection Startup Essentials Offering
PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 80 Application Service Providers, Internet Service Providers, and Network Service Providers, including many of the top companies in the industry, have signed up to take part in Sun Microsystems, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: SUNW - news) ServiceProvider.com initiative, the company said today. Among the leading ``.com' names who have joined since the program was launched in May, 1999, are Concentric Network, Digex, Exodus Communications, Inc., Navisite, Inc., Interpath Communications and USinternetworking.
Sun's ServiceProvider.com program offers ASPs, ISPs and NSPs a portfolio of products, services and business practices that help them quickly develop and deploy profitable new services, make operations more efficient and improve service quality. Additionally, Sun's ServiceProvider.com initiative helps customers grow -- whether they are in an emerging, growing or leading market position. At every stage of the SP's development, Sun makes available appropriate applications, competency training, leasing programs, development funding, sales, customer support, technical development, and outsourcing assistance.
``Sun stands out from other vendors in the strength and breadth of the solutions we offer SPs and e-commerce businesses,' said John McFarlane, president of Sun's Network Service Provider division. ``No one else has the expertise, alliances and products to get SPs where they want to go. Just as important, they appreciate the fact that we are investing in their growth without competing with them.'
The programs in the ServiceProvider.com initiative include a customized e-store to give SPs instant access to e-commerce capabilities and on-line information; assistance in building scaleable, highly-reliable ``.com' infrastructures; and access to the SunTone(SM) certification program, which will build customer confidence in service providers who meet rigorous criteria for reliable network design and operation. Additionally, specially priced starter kit systems are available for ASP start-ups.
A key element of the ServiceProvider.com initiative is Sun's commitment to compensate its sales force, not just for sales to Enterprise customers, but for directing Enterprise customers to Sun Service Providers, in order to create demand and stimulate revenue for SPs -- an industry first.
Tailored Bundles for Startups
In related news, Sun today announced that more than 120 ``.com' startups have signed up for the new Sun Developer Connection(SM) Startup Essentials(SM) offering since the program was launched less than three weeks ago. Sun's Startup Essentials offers a number of products and services that provide a comprehensive set of tools, resources and information to the Internet startup community. Qualified startups can take advantage of the various computer systems and software products, developer tools, training and co-marketing opportunities, as well as technical support and access to Sun's team of world-class software engineers.
Under the program, Sun plans to offer Sun Startup Essentials bundles specially priced and configured for startups' development. These bundles include systems ranging from the Sun Ultra(TM) 5 workstation through the Sun Enterprise(TM) 4500 server, as well as Sun StorEdge(TM) 1000 or 3500 arrays.
In addition to computer systems, Sun provides the baseline infrastructure software startups need for rapid development. A comprehensive suite of Internet tools, including iPlanet(TM) Webtop and SecureNet(TM) software, and iPlanet Directory, Messaging, Web and Application servers from the Sun- Netscape Alliance, are core components of the Sun Startup Essentials bundles. Additional software shipped with the bundles includes Developer Essentials software featuring the Solaris(TM) Operating Environment, Java(TM) Jumpstart, Java2 standard edition, and Code Warrior Professional for Java(TM).
About Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- ``The Network Is The Computer(TM)' -- has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that power the Internet and allow companies worldwide to ``.com' their businesses. With $12.4 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 170 countries and on the World Wide Web at sun.com .
NOTE: Sun, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems, Sun Ultra, Sun Enterprise, Sun StorEdge, Sun SecureNet, Solaris, Java, iPlanet, JumpStart, CodeWarrior Professional for Java, HotJava and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. SunTone, Sun Developer Connection and Startup Essentials are service marks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Press announcements and other information about Sun Microsystems are available on the Internet via the World Wide Web using a tool such as Netscape Navigator or Sun's HotJava(TM) browser. Type sun.com at URL prompt. |
