We don't, as a habit, cover contract wins, but we'll make an exception for Sun Microsystems' whopping great $100m deal with News International.

Unusually, Sun has first right of refusal to sell Unix servers and ancillary products worldwide to the press giant for the next two years.

We say "win". But it is entirely possible that News International is already spending more than amount this with Sun - or that it intends to increase its investment on Unix systems.

Sun boxes dominate the print press market, and Sun boxes are firm favourites with British robbers - The Express, News International and Trinity Mirror have all had Sun kit stolen in recent months.

News International will gouge out maximum discounts, by becoming an active purchaser, aggregating its Unix spend into a global pot etc.

Sun meanwhile is rewarded with certainty - regular sales and knowledge that it has shut out HP and IBM from a major customer for the next two years at least. ®

Sun Press Release.