Microsoft and Sun announced today that Sun will offer Windows Server on its x64 hardware and will provide additional utilities and “value-added software offerings” to server systems carrying Windows Server. Windows Server 2003 will be available on Sun x64 systems within 90 days.
This could fall into the too-little-too-late category. Sun’s decades-long rivalry with Microsoft has been epic. But Sun’s financial position has been so poor for so long (stock price hovering at under $10 for five years – sometimes dragging below $3), that the company has been taking extreme – even odd – measures to revive itself. For instance, in August it changed its ticker symbol from SUNW to JAVA. Today, it agrees to ship Windows on it servers.
OK, Windows on Sun servers can’t hurt – as Sun does have a reputation for high performing (if overpriced) servers. But will it help either company defend against the Linux invasion? Doubtful. See also Linux, splinux — Microsoft still owns server market
