October 6, 2003—Sun Java Desktop System is a comprehensive, simple to use, and secure enterprise-grade desktop solution, which Sun Microsystems says delivers cost savings of up to 75 percent compared to alternatives. The software consists of a fully integrated client environment based on open source components and industry standards, including a GNOME desktop environment, StarOffice Office Productivity Suite, Mozilla browser, Evolution mail and calendar, Java 2 Standard Edition and a Linux operating system.
Key features include a well-defined, integrated look and feel and familiar desktop themes, as well as file, folder, and print interoperability with Microsoft Windows and Linux/UNIX environments, all at $100 per desktop. In response to current security concerns, the Java Desktop System’s foundation is the Java Card platform for microprocessor smartcard authentication, which Sun explains is the security infrastructure in deployment on hundreds of millions of mobile phones and in use by the US Government.
Sun is also announcing StarOffice 7, the latest release of its popular, open source-based office productivity suite, available at what Sun says is one-fifth the cost of other proprietary office suites. New features of StarOffice include: stronger interoperability; easy, fast export to open file formats such as PDF and Flash XML; improved MS Office compatibility; modular workspace for more control and flexibility; keyboard/mouse macro recorder for customized functions; and more.
