In response to yet another massive security vulnerability in Microsoft's Windows operating system - the MSBlast Internet worm - Sun Microsystems has opened early registration for businesses seeking an interoperable and secure alternative to existing desktop environments.
Project Mad Hatter, Sun's open standards-based desktop, has addressed the risk and expense associated with Microsoft Windows and Office platforms by engineering security into its infrastructure from the outset.
"Mad Hatter offers a radical reduction in complexity with comparable increases in security. These are designed to protect computer users against exposure to viruses such as the MSBlast worm," explains Dumisani Mtoba, senior systems engineer at Sun Microsystems SA.
He notes that the high cost of Windows software, its inherent security vulnerabilities, and proprietary code-base made compelling reasons for users to seek an alternative.
"Mad Hatter represents a concerted effort to deliver a viable desktop operating system that sacrifices nothing in terms of compatibility with existing software and user-friendliness," says Mtoba.
He adds that businesses that have experienced the loss of productivity that occurs after virus attacks, like MSBlast and Sobig.F, will shortly have access to an alternative operating system.
Consumers, too, who have had a taste of the consequences of insecure desktop software with, for example, hackers accessing bank details, will have access to the more secure environment of Mad Hatter.
To sign up for early access registration for Project Mad Hatter, individuals can e-mail madhatter@sun.com.
"Industry and government agencies agree that reliance on a single vendor for desktop deployments represents an Achilles heel in the safety and security of the world's network infrastructure," says Jonathan Schwartz, executive vice-president, Software, Sun Microsystems.
"As the technology provider that secures the world's highest value networks and the only IT vendor without the conflict of being a Microsoft OEM, Sun is working to provide a new solution to this growing risk. It is our belief that corporates should accelerate the evaluation of alternatives to Microsoft, a process we're simplifying by opening registration for Project Mad Hatter."
Project Mad Hatter is based entirely on open standards and includes all the desktop applications necessary to migrate users off the Windows and Office platforms, and onto a more secure and stable platform.
The Mad Hatter solution includes the StarOffice personal productivity suite, which reads and writes all Microsoft file formats; the latest version of Sun's Java technology platform; and the GNOME windowing environment.
Additional features include Sun ONE mail, calendaring and instant messaging; connectivity to existing Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes messaging services; and support for the Java Card platform for microprocessor smart card authentication and security.
"From the B-1 certified Trusted Solaris operating system, to Java Card and Sun's Network Identity solutions, Sun has assumed security into the design of its products. Sun's military-grade security incorporates products, technologies, partners and services to give businesses peace of mind in securing information systems and physical devices, so they can focus on business results, not virus recovery," concludes Mtoba.
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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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