The long-running battle between Microsoft and Sun Microsystems over the Java programming language escalated Thursday, as Microsoft issued a terse response to a Sun ad campaign that ran last week.
Sun Microsystems has expressed concerns that could use document protection tools Microsoft will include in Office 2003 will fortify its domination over enterprise desktops.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Microsoft's fiercest foes--Java software providers--are showing growing admiration for their powerful rival.
The Sun-backed group will unveil the detailed workings of their Liberty Alliance specification--leading the way to build "single-sign-on" Web sites and software. Does it stand a chance against Microsoft?
While the world argues, debates, and even sues over Microsoft's dominance over things like Web browsers and operating systems, Microsoft is able to quietly control the hearts, minds, and digital tool chests of the people who create the software we use every day.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Microsoft's fiercest foes--Java software providers--are showing growing admiration for their powerful rival.
commentary Has Sun really released a "Windows-killer" with its Java Desktop and Enterprise systems?
commentary Scott McNealy has taken the bull by the horns and announced two software bundles aimed at Microsoft's desktop market and IBM's middleware customers.
Are software licences overloading your IT budget? Here are a few ways to save your department time and money by installing Sun's Java Desktop. Additional reading: How to manage your IT assets
Sun would like to think it can succeed where others have failedÂÂâ€"in breaking Microsoft's stranglehold on the office productivity marketâ€"by offering a product that's almost as good as Microsoft Office at a much lower price. Do the sums add up?
For raw power Sun Microsystem's Sun Fire X4450 is the gutsiest server we've seen, and at 2RU it's compact considering its specs. However, priced at over AU$27,000, this machine will make a dent in your budget.
Microsoft's software licensing program is not proving popular - about two-thirds of its biggest customers are yet to sign up, and some are exploring alternatives.
Sun would like to think it can succeed where others have failedÂÂâ€"in breaking Microsoft's stranglehold on the office productivity marketâ€"by offering a product that's almost as good as Microsoft Office at a much lower price. Do the sums add up?
Thin clients seem to be a perennial runner-up to full-featured desktops, but we think the time is right to stop thinking "what if?" and to get rid of those clunky desktop PCs.
Commentary: Yes, you do have alternatives. But the differences between WordPerfect, OpenOffice.org's Writer, and MS Word are very minor. Let me explain why you might--or might not--want to switch.
History of British PCs
The cash-strapped UK National Museum of Computing is home to an exhibition of the evolution of British PCs.… Watch it now
In this exclusive video interview, Optus chief information officer Lawrie Turner speaks to ZDNet.com.au about being the IT head for Australia's number two telco.
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