For the 96 percent(a) of large companies who have, or are building corporate intranets, Sun Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) today announced that Sun™ Solaris™ Server for Intranets software is now available for $500 less than Windows NT intranet server software.

A total intranet solution that combines the best of the Solaris operating environment with the best of the PC, Solaris for Intranets, now available for $1,290, is the first server software to offer complete intranet services including integrated Web, e-mail, security and network management services with WebTone reliability.

Sun also announced today that it will bundle Solaris for Intranets with its new line of Enterprise 450 workgroup servers.

Sun Solaris for Intranets software, available for both SPARC™- and Intel-based computers, reduces the time and frustration typically involved in setting up an intranet by easily connecting workgroups and departments already running Windows, Windows NT, NetWare and other popular desktop and server platforms without requiring additional software to be installed on client desktops.

Sun Solaris for Intranets reduces IT headaches because it is based on established Internet standards, is Year 2000 compliant, and provides industry-leading Java performance. Solaris for Intranets is an extension to the award winning Solaris operating environment, the foundation for the WebTone -- the 21st century's equivalent of today's dial tone.

"Solaris for Intranets is the superior, easy alternative to Windows NT to ensure company-wide access to the intranet, regardless of the demands being made on the server," said Janpieter Scheerder, president, SunSoft. "It delivers the essential services businesses require from networks, with the proven reliability and scalability of Sun software."

Solaris for Intranets includes:

-- SunLink™ - easy connection into existing PC LAN environments including Windows, Windows NT, NetWare and other popular desktop and server platforms

-- Sun Web Start - easy browser installation and setup; and remote administration

-- Solaris Server, Remote HotFix, clustering (Solstice™ HA, optional) - new level of reliability

-- Sun WebServer, Sun Internet Mail Server, SunScreen™ SKIP - Internet capability, performance and security

-- World's fastest Java environment

-- Runs 12,000 popular business applications

-- Two-hour service response option, seven days a week, 24 hours a day

-- Support for a wide range of SPARC and Intel hardware

SunLink software allows PC desktop computer users to run popular applications such as WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel and transparently link to Solaris servers to print and access files and network and intranet services.

In addition, Solaris for Intranets works with network computers, including the Sun JavaStation™, as well as popular server-based applications such as Oracle, Sybase, Informix, Lotus Domino, Baan and SAP. It also provides Java browser-based setup and management, support for popular network and directory protocols such as DNS, SNMP and DMI, and easy database connection.

Service and Support

Service and support for Solaris for Intranets is available from SunService, Sun authorized service providers and qualified OEMs. Support options include two-hour response, "best effort" response, and basic support 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Pricing and Availability

Sun Solaris for Intranets for both SPARC- and Intel-based computers is currently available starting at $1,290 list price, and includes the new Web-enhanced Solaris Server 2.6 operating environment. Solaris for Intranets is available through SunSoft Authorized Resellers, value-added resellers, OEMs and systems integrators worldwide.

Customers who already have the Solaris 2.5.1 operating environment can add the Solaris intranet feature set to their server for $595 list price.

Through its new Get Current/Stay Current™ program, Sun is offering a two-year subscription to Solaris for Intranets software that entitles customers to automatically receive periodic releases of enhanced features and functions as soon as they become available.

Sun Solaris for Intranets is the first in a family of four market-specific feature set extensions for the Solaris operating environment, which will also include Enterprise, Internet and Power Desktop. Sun plans to announce pricing and availability for each later this year.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer(TM)," has propelled Sun Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) to its position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $8 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com .