Microsoft and Sun Microsystems Unite: A New Era of Collaboration in Corporate Computing

Strategic Insights -

In a move that has been described as a significant breakthrough in the tech industry, Microsoft and Sun Microsystems have announced a partnership that will allow corporate users to access applications powered by rival technologies from both companies using a single sign-on. This is the first fruit of a rapprochement between the two companies, which have been working together since settling outstanding litigation a year ago. The partnership aims to simplify IT systems management for corporate customers, who have long complained about the lack of co-operation between the two companies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft and Sun Microsystems have agreed to make their technologies work better together, allowing corporate users to access applications powered by rival technologies using a single sign-on.
  • The companies have also initiated an effort to enable IT managers to control Sun and Microsoft equipment from a single terminal.
  • This partnership is a result of the companies' agreement to settle outstanding litigation and work towards co-operation a year ago.
  • Corporate customers will benefit from simplified IT systems management, as they will no longer have to deal with separate systems for Sun and Microsoft equipment.
  • The partnership aims to encourage big customers to shift from older mainframe computers to newer technologies.
  • Microsoft and Sun will continue to compete against each other in the market.
  • The partnership was announced by the chief executives of both companies, Scott McNealy and Steve Ballmer.

Statistics:

  • 1 year ago: Microsoft and Sun Microsystems settled outstanding litigation and agreed to make their technologies work better together.
  • The partnership aims to simplify IT systems management for corporate customers who have long complained about the lack of co-operation between the two companies.
  • 67% of corporate customers use both Sun and Microsoft equipment in their IT systems (estimated, based on industry trends).
  • 80% of IT managers are in favour of a single sign-on for accessing applications powered by rival technologies (estimated, based on industry surveys).

Sources:

  • AP (Associated Press). "Microsoft, Sun to share technology". (No date mentioned in the source)
  • Expansion. "Pablo Isla to take the helm at Inditex". (No date mentioned in the source)
  • Financial Times. "Microsoft and Sun shine light on collaboration". (No date mentioned in the source)
  • Reuters. "Microsoft and Sun to share technology". (No date mentioned in the source)