Sun and SUSE Extend Global Alliance to the Desktop

October 7, 2003


SUSE Linux is chosen as Integral Component to Sun's Java(tm) Desktop System

SANTA CLARA, Calif. and OAKLAND, Calif.

SUSE Linux today announced that it has extended its global alliance with Sun Microsystems beyond the server and out to the desktop. As part of its recent announcement of the Java(tm) Desktop System, Sun has chosen SUSE to provide the core Linux technology of the new solution.

The Java Desktop System delivers a secure, familiar, affordable desktop system designed specifically for enterprise customers. At $100 per desktop annually (US list price), the system delivers a comprehensive desktop environment which includes the latest release of Sun's fastest growing open and affordable office productivity suite, StarOffice(tm) 7, the latest release of the Java(tm) 2 Standard Edition (J2SE(tm)) platform and the popular Mozilla browser, plus e-mail, calendaring and instant messaging applications - based on SUSE Linux Desktop and Solaris Operating System (OS).

"We are seeing tremendous momentum in the Linux desktop space," said Richard Seibt, CEO, SUSE Linux. "We believe that - with a company like Sun providing the global reach, sales, and support in the desktop market - we will see that momentum accelerate."

Sun's new Java Desktop System integrates many of the desktop components from open source technologies. Through this alliance, Sun is leveraging SUSE's Linux engineering expertise. The new product combines the installation, management capabilities and language support from SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and SUSE Linux Desktop into this new product offering. SUSE Linux will provide Sun with the same operating system platform base for clients and servers, including a five-year commitment of maintenance.

"Whether motivated by business continuity objectives, or a desire to save millions in licensing fees, enterprises, academic institutions and governments -- and ultimately consumers -- require a secure, credible and affordable alternative on the desktop," said Peder Ulander, director of marketing, Desktop Solutions, Sun Microsystems. "Sun believes that Linux and Solaris play a major role in our overall desktop strategy. The new Java Desktop System is delivering on Sun's vision of providing an integrated, complete and open desktop environment that drives down costs on the desktop, while increasing performance and security."

About Sun's Java Desktop System

The Sun Java Desktop System, which runs on x86- and SPARC®-based systems using either the Solaris(tm) OS or Linux OS, is designed to lower computing costs and reduce desktop management complexities while providing a familiar and secure environment. By focusing on interoperability and user familiarity, the Java Desktop System provides decision makers with a solution that can plug seamlessly into existing environments, working with current files, applications, systems and services. For more information, see www.sun.com/javadesktopsystem

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer[tm]" -- has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW) to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that make the Net work. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, JVM, J2SE, Solaris, Trusted Solaris, StarOffice and The Network is the Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems in the United States and other countries.

All SPARC trademarks are used under license and are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc. in the US and other countries. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc.

About Novell
Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell® Nsure™), Web application development (Novell exteNd™) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise™), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell NgageSM). Active in the open source community with its Ximian and SUSE Linux brands, Novell is firmly committed to open source and offers comprehensive Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net - a world without information boundaries - helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272) or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.

Novell is a registered trademarks; Nsure, exteNd and Nteprise are trademarks; and Ngage is a service mark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE Linux AG. * All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.