Sun sets sights on telecomms

Sun Microsystems today targeted the telecommunications market by unveiling a Java-enabled network management framework and server in both the US and UK. The Solstice Enterprise Manager 3.0 and Netra ft1800 server were launched in a cross-Atlantic operation – in New York and Bagshot, UK. The Solstice includes several Java tools, including the graphical installation wizard, Development Environment, and Java Agent Management. It also includes an integrated Java Dynamic Management Kit (JDMK), which simplifies development gaps between Java and existing network standards. The Netra 1800 offers telecom-equipment companies the necessary gear to build fail-safe phone systems to handle the emergency services and directory authentication services. Prices start at $160,000, or Eur 194,500, but an average system will cost several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Sun’s products, aimed at the fast growing telecommunications arena, will go head-to-head with high-priced machines from Compaq’s Tandem division. Sun claimed its products cost as much as 50 per cent less than its competitors, and estimated the market for telcom-related equipment to top $110 billion a year. ®