Sun Microsystems' announcement last quarter of an alliance with processor manufacturer AMD will shortly result in the introduction of high-performance entry-level machines ideal for local businesses. That's according to Jos Nickmans, channel development manager at Sun Microsystems SA.
In terms of the agreement, Sun will deliver AMD Opteron processor-based Sun Fire systems and appropriate versions of the Solaris Operating System (OS), the Java platform and the Linux OS. The alliance also plans to include long-term joint technology development to create future hardware and software offerings.
"While there has been a persistent perception that Sun plays only in the data centre, we have in fact been doing very well with our entry-level x86-based products in the African market. AMD is producing a compelling 64-bit x86 platform with the AMD Opteron processor, which we believe will significantly bolster high-performance, low-cost computing," Nickmans says.
He adds that the volume server market - or low-end servers - is by far the fastest growing segment of the server market. "The AMD Opteron processor effectively fills the gap between what Sun is already doing at the low end, and our enterprise-class offerings. Products resulting from the agreement should continue to accelerate our growth into this market, giving businesses 64-bit performance even at the low end."
Sun has opted for the AMD Opteron processor as it believes the technology offers a better instruction set than Intel's 64-bit Itanium II, as it offers better backwards compatibility enabling investment protection for existing 32-bit applications.
Craig Dawson, AMD South Africa country manager, says the processor maker looks forward to leveraging Sun's established reputation for delivering proven server offerings. "With Sun's market penetration as well as its market positioning, we expect AMD Opteron processor-based servers to find ready users in the South African business environment," he explains.
Dawson says with the AMD Opteron processor, AMD is delivering a high-performance 64-bit platform that is also compatible with today's 32-bit software, enabling enterprises the opportunity to protect their current technology investments.
"When products reach the market, we believe there will be considerable opportunities for Sun partners owing to the rapid growth in the volume market," Nickmans concludes. "The alliance with AMD dovetails perfectly with Sun's low- cost computing initiative, and should help drive demand even in a cost-conscious market as a compelling alternative to 'Wintel'".
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Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision - "The Network Is The Computer" - 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.
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