Microsoft Challenges Sun Microsystems and Oracle with New Server Software Products

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft's bold move into the server software market, aiming to challenge Sun Microsystems and Oracle, has sent shockwaves through the industry. The tech giant has announced plans to launch nine new products, boasting greater functionality at half the price of its competitors' offerings. In an effort to drive adoption, Microsoft has partnered with leading hardware suppliers and consultants to facilitate the integration of its software with web-based information systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft is launching nine new server software products in direct competition with Sun Microsystems and Oracle, aiming to provide greater functionality at a lower cost.
  • The company has partnered with leading hardware suppliers and consultants to promote the adoption of its software.
  • Sun Microsystems is launching a family of workstations running on the new generation of Ultrasparc 3 chip, hoping to regain its lead in the workstation market.
  • The US telecoms industry is resisting the International Telecommunications Union's proposal to make US carriers pay their share of the cost of international internet traffic.
  • The big American carriers, such as AT&T and Worldcom, have been delivering each other's traffic free of charge, while overseas companies have had to bear the full cost of international internet access to US websites.
  • Microsoft's announcement has implications for Intel, as the company's stock failed to respond to the news.
  • The US Federal Trade Commission has dropped its investigation into Intel for alleged anti-competitive practices, but the company's stock has yet to recover from its recent slump.

Statistics:

  • Microsoft's new server software products will cost up to half the price of their competitors' offerings.
  • The Ultrasparc 3 chip will serve as the basis for high-end computer servers.
  • Sun Microsystems has launched a family of workstations running on the new Ultrasparc 3 chip, aiming to regain its lead in the workstation market.
  • International internet traffic delivery is currently awry, with overseas companies bearing the full cost.
  • Intel's stock failed to respond to the US Federal Trade Commission's announcement that it was dropping its investigation into the company.

Sources:

  • Microsoft announces plans to challenge Sun Microsystems and Oracle with new server software products
  • Intel stock fails to respond to US FTC dropping investigation
  • Sun Microsystems launches workstations running on Ultrasparc 3 chip
  • US telecoms firms resist International Telecommunications Union proposal on international internet traffic costs