---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUN AIMS AT FORTUNE 1000 WITH NEW, 15.8-MIPS COLOR SPARCSTATION PRICED BELOW $10,000; SIGNS NEW RESELLER AGREEMENTS SunFLASH Vol 19 #18 July 1990 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW YORK --July 25, 1990-- In a suite of strategic announcements furthering its leadership in easy workgroup computing, Sun Microsystems today launched the lowest-cost color RISC workstation in the industry, disclosed three major U.S. value-added dealer agreements and unveiled a new release of the OpenWindows(TM) application environment, which features the OPEN LOOK(TM) graphical user interface in 3-D. Distribution agreements have been signed with three major computer reseller organizations, Intelligent Electronics (IE) of Exton, Penn., MicroAge, Inc., Tempe, Ariz., and NYNEX Business Information Systems Company, White Plains, N.Y. This marks the first time Sun has distributed its computers through U.S. dealer channels. In addition, Sun introduced the color SPARCstation(TM) IPC, priced at $9,995 (U.S. list), including a 207-megabyte hard disk drive. A diskless version costs $8,995. The system features the new OpenWindows Version 2 user environment that contains 14 DeskSet productivity tools in 3-D, based on OPEN LOOK. Like all SPARCstations, the new computer runs the industry's largest selection of RISC software, including Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, WingZ and FrameMaker. Targeted at commercial and technical users in Fortune 1000 companies, the announcements signal a new era of affordability and availability for Sun's powerful SPARC(R)/UNIX(R) workgroup computing solutions. "Workgroup computing" refers to the way companies and organizations are boosting productivity by sharing resources and information using "clients" -- powerful desktop workstations -- linked to servers that store and manipulate information. "Our customers seek three things that are answered by today's announcements," said Scott McNealy, Sun's president and CEO. "They want workgroup computing systems that are easy to purchase, easy to use and easy to afford. These parameters -- coupled with powerful networking capabilities and application availability -- define the battle for the desktop." Ease of Purchase: New Value-Added Dealer Agreements Intelligent Electronics, MicroAge and NYNEX will resell Sun's products through many of their locations, offering computers in combination with software, training and support. Sun expects that within a year, approximately 200 IE, MicroAge and NYNEX outlets will be selling Sun products in the United States, thereby significantly expanding Sun's penetration of commercial markets. According to Joe Roebuck, Sun's vice president of U.S. sales, "It's clear that the PC retail model has led to over-distribution, which serves the interests of neither dealers nor customers. Under our structure, selected resellers will become 'desktop integrators,' certified to install and maintain UNIX-based networks. They won't just sell boxes. They'll be required to provide customers with the highest level of service and support." Easy to Afford: First Color RISC Workstation Under $10,000 The new color SPARCstation IPC further delivers on Sun's desktop computing strategy, since it is the least expensive, fully configured color RISC workstation available today. At $9,995 -- below the cost of many high-end PCs -- it offers the processing power, small package, broad connectivity and built-in networking that corporate users increasingly require. The compact, 15.8-MIPS desktop system is expandable and includes a DOS-compatible, 3.5-inch floppy drive and a 207-megabyte hard disk drive. A diskless version is also available that contains a floppy drive only. The new IPC features 8 to 24 megabytes of memory and a 16-inch color monitor. It is currently being shipped in volume. Unlike PCs that are limited to stand-alone applications or simple file-sharing in homogeneous environments, it makes full use of corporate resources and greatly increases workgroup productivity. Users have access to mainframes and minicomputers running sophisticated applications. In addition, the OPEN LOOK user interface makes the SPARCstation IPC as easy to use as a Macintosh. Ease of Use: OpenWindows Sun's new release of the OpenWindows application environment features the OPEN LOOK user interface in 3-D, as well as 3-D DeskSet tools and a new XView(TM) toolkit for designing 3-D OPEN LOOK applications. It also includes a new release of the X11/NeWS(TM) Window System that is five times faster than the previous versions for tasks such as window creation, moving, resizing, opening and closing. All diskfull SPARCstation IPCs will be shipped with the new OpenWindows Version 2. The intuitive, easy-to-use OPEN LOOK interface is demonstrating increasing momentum among software developers. Today, Sun released a guide listing more than 100 OPEN LOOK applications. These include popular products from companies such as Frame Technology, Ventura, Verasoft and Informix. SPARCstations Succeeding in Corporate World Several recent wins for Sun underscore the SPARCstation's success in the Fortune 1000. Xerox will resell Sun systems, including the new SPARCstation IPC, in an agreement worth more than $200 million. The Sun computers will be the platform for a new line of Xerox document processing systems. Other corporate users have chosen Sun's SPARC systems, such as Merrill Lynch, which will use the new SPARCstation IPC as a trader's workstation. Dunkin Donuts will rely on Sun for managing its central database functions, while Carnival Cruise Lines is automating several of its cruise operations via SPARC computers from Sun. The Portland Trailblazers will use Sun's SPARC computers for an advanced new ticketing and information system. Sun Microsystems, Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is a leading worldwide supplier of network-based distributed computing systems, including professional workstations, servers and UNIX operating system and productivity software. ### SPARCstation, OpenWindows, XView and X11/NeWS are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. OPEN LOOK is a trademark and UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T. SPARC is a registered trademark of SPARC International, based on technology developed by Sun Microsystems. All other products or services mentioned in this document are identified by the trademarks or service marks of their respective companies or organizations. Press Contact: Carrie Dillon (415) 336-3564 John Loiacono (415) 336-6424 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sunflash is an electronic mail news service from Sun Microsystems, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA. It is targeted at Sun Users and Customers. 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