Microsoft and Sun expand strategic alliance

Additionally, Sun and Microsoft will collaborate to further enable deployment of Windows Server on Sun x64 systems.

"Today's announcement is another example of Microsoft's commitment to 64-bit computing," said Bob Muglia, senior vice president, Server and Tools Division at Microsoft. "The Sun hardware platform is an excellent foundation for Windows®-based enterprise solutions, such as Microsoft Virtual Server, Microsoft SQL Server™, Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition. Our customers will have an additional choice of Windows Server OEM partners with Sun."

"Sun is now a single source for today's leading operating systems - Solaris™ and Windows - on the industry's most innovative x64 systems and storage products. Customers can now take advantage of the virtualization benefits of Windows and Solaris on Sun's energy efficient x64 systems," said Chris Cornelius, managing director, Sun Microsystems MENA.

"Microsoft's recognition of our x64 systems and storage systems is a testament to the superior system design at the heart of our product portfolio."

Microsoft recognizes Sun's compelling x64 server and storage products in the market today. Microsoft and Sun will continue to work together to test and validate the Windows platform on these systems for scale-up enterprise computing. As part of the alliance, Sun will offer Windows Server on its x64 hardware and will provide additional utilities and value-added software offerings to server systems carrying Windows Server. Windows Server 2003 will be available on Sun x64 systems within 90 days.

Sun and Microsoft will work together to ensure that Solaris runs well as a guest on Microsoft virtualization technologies and that Windows Server runs well as a guest on Sun's virtualization technologies. Sun and Microsoft will work together on a support process for customers who are using the virtualization solutions. This joint commitment to customers ensures that Windows and Solaris will provide a solid virtualization experience.