Sun and AMD alliance to benefit local business
24 March 2004
News
Access Control & Identity Management
Sun Microsystems' alliance with processor manufacturer AMD will shortly result in the introduction of high-performance entry-level machines ideal for local businesses. That is according to Jos Nickmans, channel development manager at Sun Microsystems SA.
In terms of the agreement, Sun will deliver AMD OpteronT 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 said it 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.
For more information contact Elise Roscoe, Sun Microsystems SA, 011 256 6300, [email protected]
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