:The Independent: Sun Has Seen the Future--It's In the StarOffice and It's On The Java Cards
The Independent: Sun Has Seen the Future--It's In the StarOffice and It's On The Java Cards Aug 5, 2003, 07 :00 UTC (13 Talkback[s]) (9155 reads) (Other stories by Stephen Pritchard)
"Sun was one of the main beneficiaries of the dot-com boom, and when the bubble burst it was hit hard. Companies such as IBM and Hewlett-Packard--criticised during the boom for relatively pedestrian performances--are now the main beneficiaries of a more conservative attitude among computer buyers.
"Sun, which has always prided itself on its technical leadership as well as a willingness to take risks, is being squeezed on one side by both its larger rivals with integrated consultancy, software and services arms, such as IBM and HP, and on the other by companies that compete on cost. Prominent in this second group is Dell, the company created and still run by Michael Dell.
"Speaking during a visit to Scotland last week, McNealy admits that Sun has yet to shake off the post-boom hangover, and is now being punished by the markets for its fall from favour. But he denies that the business itself is dramatically off track..."
