Acer, Gateway, Samsung, Toshiba and Tsinghua Tongfang To Ship Sun's Latest Java Runtime Environment
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- September 23, 2003 -- Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNW) today announced five new Java technology distribution agreements with Acer, Gateway, Samsung, Toshiba and Tsinghua Tongfang. These companies join the rapidly expanding roster of vendors that to date includes Apple, Dell, HP, Lindows.com and Red Hat that are shipping the most current and compatible version of Java. Today's announcement underlines industry demand for the latest Java technology for the PC desktop and reinforces the developer commitment to the Java platform.The total PC vendor agreements to date comprise more than 50 percent of the PC desktop marketplace and ensures that Sun's Java Runtime Environment will be pre-installed on these companys' systems. Now all Web and desktop Java applications will be able to access and rely on the most current version of Java and consumers, content developers and Web sites can now be certain that the latest version of the Java platform will be available worldwide on Windows PCs and laptops. For consumers who purchase personal computers that do not yet offer the latest version of Java software, it can be downloaded now for free at http://java.com.
"Leading PC vendors are listening to their customers, who want easy access to high-performing, industry-standard Java technology," said Richard Green, vice president, Sun Software Developer Platforms Group, Sun Microsystems. "These agreements encompass some of the best-known brands in PC computing and point to the tremendous value of the Java platform as a must-have for the modern computing desktop."
"Developers and ISVs can remain confident that their Java application efforts will run seamlessly on the majority of PCs, with an up-to-date Java Runtime Environment. This is in addition to the ability for enterprise administrators to broadly and quickly distribute the latest JREs on their networks. The functional strengths, security benefits and administrative efficiencies of end-to-end Java appear an unstoppable, long-term value proposition worldwide," said Dana Gardner, senior analyst, Yankee Group.
Global Agreements Expand Worldwide Java Distribution for PC Desktops
Acer has agreed to distribute the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from Sun on Acer's upcoming desktop and notebook product models. As a top ten branded PC vendor, this move will bring Acer a step closer to achieving its mission to deliver products and services that are easy to use and are dependable, to empower people to reach their goals and enhance their lives.
"Providing the most recent version of Java on our systems will enhance the performance of Web-based applications on our PCs, and improve the customer experience," said Jim Wong, President of IT Products Business Group, Acer Inc.
Gateway has joined the list of industry leaders shipping the latest Java Runtime Environment from Sun in the next versions of its popular PC desktop and laptop product offerings. As one of America's best known brands with millions of satisfied customers, Gateway's decision to distribute Java continues its commitment to deliver the best value and computing experience for the PC user.
Samsung plans to ship the latest Java Runtime Environment on a broad range of its business and consumer desktop and notebook PCs starting in December 2003. As a result, consumers will be able to easily access the rich content and applications generated by the thriving Java development community.
As a long-time partner and a world-leading vendor of notebook PCs, Toshiba has expanded its support for Java to its most popular PCs. With the company's focus on offering maximum return to business users and consumers on their technology investment, Sun's latest JRE will help to deliver greater performance and application availability for customers throughout Toshiba's product line.
Tsinghua Tongfang is the third largest PC manufacturer in China and the first to offer the latest Java Runtime Environment to consumers in this rapidly growing market. Late last year, the company also secured a license to bundle Sun's StarOffice productivity suite.
About Acer
Acer ranks among the world's top ten branded PC vendors. In 2000 Acer switched from manufacturing to focus on the global marketing of brand-name PC-related products and services. Acer's IT product offering includes desktop and mobile PCs, servers and storage, displays, peripherals, and e-business solutions for business, government, education, and home users. Established in 1976, the pan Acer Group employs 39,000 people supporting dealers and distributors in over 100 countries. Revenues reached US$12.9 billion in 2002. Please visit www.acer.com.
About Gateway
Since its founding in 1985, Gateway (NYSE: GTW) has been a technology and direct marketing pioneer, using its call centers, web site and network of retail stores to build direct relationships with consumers, businesses, government offices, schools and universities. Gateway is America's second most admired computer company according to Fortune magazine, and its PC products and services received more than 90 awards and honors last year. Its rapidly growing line of Gateway-branded products includes plasma-screen displays, DLP projectors, tablet PCs, and systems and networking products and services. For more information, visit http://www.gateway.com.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, and digital convergence technology. Samsung Electronics employs approximately 75,000 people in 89 offices in 47 countries. The company is the world's largest producer of memory chips, TFT-LCDs, CDMA mobile phones, monitors and VCRs.
Samsung Electronics consists of four main business units: Digital Media Network, Device Solution Network, Telecommunication Network and Digital Appliance Network Businesses. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com.
About Toshiba Corporation
Toshiba Corporation is a world leader in the development and manufacture of information and communication systems, electronic devices and components, consumer products and power systems. The company's ability to integrate wide ranging capabilities from hardware to software and innovative services, assure its position as an innovator in diverse fields and many businesses. Toshiba has approximately 166,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of over US$47 billion.
About Tsinghua Tongfang Co., Ltd.
Tsinghua Tongfang Co., Ltd. is a publicly-traded company sponsored by Tsinghua University Enterprise Group and authorized by National Education Ministry and National System Reform Committee. Established in 1997, its business success has been closely followed by the financial and technical communities.
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 industrial-strength hardware, software and services that make the Net work. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://sun.com
Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, StarOffice and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.