Sun-Microsoft agreement breeds anticipation of integration

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• Improve,
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David Becker CNET News

Published: 11 May 2004 15:15 BST

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Solaris waiting on the bench?
Besides general directory and identity improvements, analysts also see a good chance for increased links between Solaris and Windows. Solaris-specific connections to Windows technology would serve Sun's interests by giving Solaris another distinction from Linux, said Stephen O'Grady, an analyst for research firm Red Monk. And anything that slows Linux is likely to appeal to Microsoft.

"That's a scenario where the win-win is pretty clear," O'Grady said. "Sun does need to have more to differentiate Solaris against Linux, and Microsoft wants to play more effectively in higher-end computing tasks." The ability to function alongside Solaris would be a compelling pitch for Microsoft, he said.

StarOffice is likely to be a thornier issue, O'Grady said. Sun no doubt would like full access to the file formats used by Microsoft Office. StarOffice can read and manipulate Microsoft-generated documents now, but complex formatting or the presence of "macros" -- mini-programs used to automate common tasks -- can cause StarOffice to choke on a document.

"I do think there'll be some degree of exchange on Office formats... but I don't see Microsoft giving up that stuff lightly," O'Grady said, adding that pressure from the European Union and other regulators could force Microsoft's hand. "Microsoft isn't going to just hand over the formats and fall into lockstep with StarOffice, but external factors could play a role there."

Sun's Fowler said StarOffice already has solid compatibility with Microsoft Office formats and won't be a focus of initial efforts between the companies.

Rosoff said Sun is unlikely to push the Office issue, instead treating the Microsoft deal as an opportunity to shore up its server business and back away from desktop ambitions. "I think Sun might look at the desktop business and re-evaluate the viability of that business," he said. "My suspicion has been Sun got into that business mainly to be a thorn in Microsoft's side... Now they have a way to back out and refocus on the back-end stuff, where their strength is."

News.com's Mike Ricciuti contributed to this report.

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