Sun Takes Aim At Windows NT Customers

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Sun Microsystems this week launched its NT Upgrade Campaign, a program through which it hopes to attract current Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 customers who will be left adrift when Microsoft’s recently announced end-of-life plans for NT Server 4.0 take effect.

With Sun’s new program, enterprises can trade up to Sun Cobalt RaQ server appliances or Sun Cobalt Qube appliances and receive a discount up to 20%.

To ease an organization’s transition from NT Server 4.0, Sun Cobalt server appliances integrate Linux-based application and system functions in a secure, browser-based interface designed to shield the administrator from technical complexities and minimize the need for trained IT staff.

Sun Cobalt server appliances also allow customers to continue using their existing tools, such as Windows clients and Web Development Tools — a particular boon for enterprises migrating from NT that have a plethora of Windows applications in use.

Sun believes this functionality virtually eliminates a customer’s learning curve during the transition from a general-purpose server to a Sun Cobalt server appliance. It also believes that its server appliances reduce total cost of ownership because they include built-in software tools and monitoring agents that minimize the need for ongoing system management and support efforts.

The elimination of licensing fees for LAN users further decreases the cost of using a Sun Cobalt server appliance.

“In addition to offering a cost-effective, easy-to-use alternative to Windows NT Server, Sun Cobalt server appliances provide the continuous uptime and rock-solid protection that every organization needs to remain profitable in today’s competitive e-business marketplace,” said Peder Ulander, director of marketing for Sun’s Cobalt division.

“Windows NT customers will find that with these plug-and-play server appliances, they can enjoy the convenience of hassle-free computing and support without sacrificing privacy and security,” Ulander added.

Sun claims the software layer in its Cobalt appliance servers can be installed in minutes, thereby minimizing downtime and increasing productivity. Because all system components are tightly integrated, the server appliances are highly reliable, as evidenced by the fact that Sun measures uptime in months and years rather than in days or weeks.

The NT Upgrade Campaign is effective immediately and runs through June 30. Sun Cobalt retailers worldwide are taking part in the promotion.

The reduced pricing brings the Qube 3 down to a minimum of $1,349. RaQ server will be priced starting at $1,399.

Sun is holding a Web-based seminar on Feb. 27 at noon EST to discuss the details. Registration information is available at http://www.cobalt.com/registration/.