Sun Microsystems has signed on as an OEM partner for Microsoft's Windows Server.

Additionally, Sun and Microsoft Corporation will collaborate to further enable deployment of Windows Server on Sun x64 systems.

'Today's announcement is another example of Microsoft's commitment to 64-bit computing,' said senior vice-president, Server and Tools Division at Microsoft, Bob Muglia.

'The Sun hardware platform is an excellent foundation for Windows-based enterprise solutions, such as Microsoft Virtual Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition. Our customers will have an additional choice of Windows Server OEM partners with Sun,' he said.

Microsoft recognises Sun's compelling x64 server and storage products in the market today. Microsoft and Sun will continue to work together to test and validate the Windows platform on these systems for scale-up enterprise computing.

As part of the alliance, Sun will offer Windows Server on its x64 hardware and will provide additional utilities and value-added software offerings to server systems carrying Windows Server. Windows Server 2003 will be available on Sun x64 systems within 90 days.

'Sun is now a single source for today's leading operating systems - Solaris and Windows - on the industry's most innovative x64 systems and storage products. Customers can now take advantage of the virtualisation benefits of Windows and Solaris on Sun's energy efficient x64 systems,' said managing director, Sun Microsystems, Chris Cornelius.

Sun and Microsoft will work together to ensure that Solaris runs well as a guest on Microsoft virtualisation technologies and that Windows Server runs well as a guest on Sun's virtualisation technologies

Sun and Microsoft will work together on a support process for customers who are using the virtualization solutions. This joint commitment to customers ensures that Windows and Solaris will provide a solid virtualisation experience.TradeArabia News Service