Sun highlights new software and Linux products at GITEX 2004

"At GITEX, Sun and its partners will address some of the most pressing regional business concerns, including how to secure information, reduce cost and complexity, and manage enterprises more effectively," said Mehmet Iyimen, managing director, MENA, Sun Microsystems. "In addition to highlighting our software and Linux solutions, Sun will be showcasing industry-specific solutions for sectors such as education and finance."

Sun will use GITEX 2004 to promote its range of Sun Ray ultra-thin clients and Star Office software. With the recent announcement that the Saudi Arabian National Guard Health Affairs purchased the largest-ever order of SunRay desktop systems and StarOffice licenses in the EMEA region, Sun experts are keen to discuss with government and private sector leaders the associated benefits and cost savings.

"Providing solutions such as StarOffice, which is Arabic enabled, and Sun Ray technology means we can assist organizations to significantly reduce their operating costs," said Iyimen. "Sun's desktop solutions are stable, easy to use and cost up to 70 percent less than similar Microsoft offerings."

Appealing to players from small and medium size organizations, Sun will also demonstrate the strength of its Linux-based servers, which deliver full integration with infrastructure software and improve manageability. "Sun servers have been widely adopted in the Middle East, with customers ranging from oil companies and banks to governments and airlines. Our Linux offerings give mid-level enterprise organizations the opportunity to enjoy rapid implementation and full systems support, at a reasonable price," said Iyimen.

At GITEX 2004, Sun will also promote its $1 million iForce centre, which is part of collaborative effort with its Channel Development Provider for the region, Tech Access. A live Internet feed will be run from the stand to the iForce centre, based at Dubai Internet City, to demonstrate Sun's technology in action. "Visitors to the stand will be able to see Sun working with its partners to provide 'best of breed' solutions for the region's horizontal and vertical markets," said Graham Porter, marketing manager, Sun Microsystems MENA.