Sun to open source UltraSparc T1

Sun Microsystems is aiming to boost interest in its new UltraSparc T1 processor by open sourcing parts of the multicore chip, reports eWeek.com.

At the company`s quarterly event in New York City, chairman Scott McNealy introduced the OpenSparc project. Sun will publish specifications for the chip - formerly code-named Niagara - including the design source, verification suite and simulation models.

Sun will also publish the instruction set specification for UltraSparc Architecture 2005 and a Solaris port, McNealy said.

CRN.com reports that Microsoft has released Windows Server 2003 R2 to manufacturing. It plans to ship it to customers and the channel within 60 days.

Windows Server 2003 Release 2 offers new features including better branch office support, integration of the WS-Management specification, Active Directory Federation Services and built-in Unix subsystem that runs Unix and Linux applications.

The software also offers native x64 support and improved Web application server and Web development capabilities, courtesy of the included Internet Information Server 6.0 upgrade, native support of .NET Framework 2.0 and speedier ASP.NET Web server pages.

US mobile service provider Cingular has rolled-out high-speed wireless services in 16 US cities, reports CNet News.

The new 3G service, called BroadbandConnect, provides average mobile data download connections between 400kbps and 700kbps.

The network will be further extended next year.