Sun punts Linux, slams Intel

Sun Microsystems yesterday launched an attack on its competitors, while paving the way for the launch of its x86-based Linux box expected next week. During a press function, the company said: "Intel has missed the boat in the server market," which is sure to amuse its competitor. According to TheRegister, Sun`s Shahin Khan also said "Itanium is the biggest disaster in Intel`s history" and "SPARC will outlive EPIC for the next 10 years". The company re-iterated plans to launch a 32-bit Linux server, saying that these types of devices would typically be used as Web servers on the edge of networks. The latest Linux offering is expected to be based on x86 architecture.

McAfee.com is betting that the peer-to-peer network is the way to go as far as distribution is concerned. The company has signed up with two P2P software developers, Blubster and Mopheus. Blubster is a Spanish-language Napster clone that allows users to trade music files, while Morpheus is a more generic file-trading suite. In terms of the agreement, the company will ship its SecurityCenter software with the two P2P pieces of software. McAfee.com argues that anti-virus software is critical in the P2P trading environment and it hopes that the knock-on impact for its other software will be significant.

International Data Corporation (IDC) says rich feature sets will be the key to growing PC sales. The research company says that by combining the functionality of PCs with entertainment devices, vendors could see significant growth. In a new report, the company predicts that converged tablet-style products that include TV and video capabilities and full computer support, and act as a universal remote control, will likely be the biggest winner in coming years. Other key issues highlighted by IDC`s report are that wireless home networks will enable a whole new set of devices and high-definition television will re-open the possibility of viewing Web and PC content on TV sets.

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