Sun to launch services unit in restructure

Sun Microsystems has confirmed that it plans to launch a Network Service Provider division as part of wider restructuring, due to start later this summer.

As revealed in PC Dealer (19 May) Ed Zander, company president and chief operating officer, said last week that Sun will merge its existing software businesses, including the Java platform, the Solaris product line and its consumer and embedded platforms, into one single software products and platforms division on 1 July.

Alan Baratz, former Sun president of Java software, will become president of the merged software businesses, reporting directly to Zander.

At the same time, Zander said Sun would launch a Network Service Provider division, which will focus on the needs of network-based telecommunications companies, cable operators and the network equipment suppliers that develop products and technologies to the broader service provider industry.

John McFarlane, formerly president of Sun's Solaris software division, will head up the operation.

Zander said: 'One of the measures of a successful company is the ability to continually refocus the organisation to meet market priorities, create opportunities and exceed customer requirements.'

He added: 'To advance Sun's leadership position in network computing software, we are aligning our key software platforms and technologies in a single organisation, which is designed to complement the focus of the Sun/Netscape alliance in providing enterprise class internet infrastructure and e-commerce products.'