Sun Announces Network Computing Breakthrough --- JavaStation NC Now Available for $499

JavaStation NC the most affordable Java technology-based network computer on the market

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- December 16, 1998 -- Sun Microsystems, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise computing solutions, today reinforced its commitment to network computing, announcing the availability of its JavaStation™ NC for $499. This price reduction makes Sun's 32-megabyte JavaStation NC the least expensive Java™ technology-based network computing solution on the market. The price cut reflects Sun's continuing effort to drive efficiencies and lower the cost of ownership for network computing, underscoring Sun's commitment to the NC market.

"Sun believes that computing is still too expensive and too difficult. Combining lower acquisition costs on the front end with the ease-of-use and TCO advantages of the Java technology-based network helps us solve both of those problems," said Steve Tirado, vice president of marketing for NC Systems, Sun Microsystems. "More and more companies are searching for the right 'network business appliance' to connect them to everything from their corporate extranet to the world's largest network, the Internet. Our price drop puts the ideal network appliance - the JavaStation NC - within range for a whole new market of customers."

Sun's JavaStation NC solution offers significant advantages over its competitors in the NC and Windows-based terminal markets. In addition to lower total cost of ownership, the JavaStation NC solution includes 100 percent centralized software and application administration, rapid application development and deployment, enhanced security and a stateless computing environment.

Pricing and Availability

The JavaStation NC is list priced at $499, down from $699. Pricing in U.S. dollars is approximate and valid as of December 16, 1998. To obtain current pricing, consult the Web sites of the companies identified above as pricing, promotions and configurations are subject to change. Prices and percent reductions are based on comparisons between Sun's current list prices and the new list prices.

All JavaStation network computers are available worldwide through Sun sales channels and Sun's authorized resellers. For more information contact Sun at 1-800-786-0404.

*The $499 price does not include the required "right to use" software license, priced at $69 per unit.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer™" has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNW), to its position as a leading provider of high quality hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $10 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, JavaStation, Netra, 100% Pure Java, and The Network is the Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.