“Sun Microsystems is finalizing a deal to buy Star Division, a
maker of a software suite similar to Microsoft Office, and it
appears that it is off on a second attempt for desktop
glory.
A deal to purchase Star Division was signed August 11, and an
announcement is expected August 31, sources familiar with the plan
said. Star Division makes two types of its StarOffice software, one
type that runs on Linux, Solaris, Windows, and Mac OS, and the
other, a thin client version of the software that runs on
Java-enabled devices.”
“…acquisition of the German company would put Sun into
more direct competition with longtime foe Microsoft.
Microsoft’s office suite is dominant on computers running Windows
and Mac OS, whereas Sun’s strength has been not with end-user
software but with server hardware and software.”
“On September 8, Sun is slated to unveil a new line of ‘thin
client’ desktops which are similar but more robust than its
ill-fated Javastation, according to sources. Star Division’s
software would essentially give Sun the applications that would
make these desktops more attractive and useful.”