• PC World
• » Software
• » Operating Systems

SAN FRANCISCO -- Although Sun unveiled its first Linux server at the LinuxWorld Expo here this week, the company says it isn't neglecting the desktop.

When Sun unwrapped its Sun LX50 server, a dual-processor system running the company's own version of the Linux operating system, executives championed the server's merits and its place in Sun's hardware arsenal. While the LX50 garnered most of the attention on Monday, Sun executives also hinted about forthcoming news that could boost Linux's place on the desktop.

Scott McNealy, president, chief executive officer, and chair at Sun, went beyond hints during his Tuesday keynote address here at the LinuxWorld conference.

"Linux is doing very well on the desktop," he said during the speech. "We love that.... I want to encourage you to keep up work on the desktop," McNealy added. "You will hear more from Sun on how we are supporting the community on the client. Stay tuned; you will see more."

McNealy told attendees to expect more news about Sun's Linux desktop work in September.

Wal-Mart's Lindows Cited

Others have worked to make an easy-to-use version of Linux to compete with Windows on the desktop, but their attempts have largely failed. Still trying are Ximian, Lindows.com, Redmond Linux--and now, apparently, Sun.

Sun could combine some of its existing products to make a version of Linux for the PC that would run Windows applications, one analyst said. Sun's open source StarOffice productivity suite is already bundled with most of the well-adopted Linux distributions.

"They have a couple of assets, particularly with StarOffice, that work with Microsoft Office files," said Dan Kusnetzky, vice president of systems software research at IDC. "They also have some technology that lets you run a good chunk of Windows applications on a Unix interface."

Sun could roll out its Sun Linux version of Linux for workstations or team with a PC maker to distribute the OS, Kusnetzky said. Wal-Mart Stores, for example, has started shipping PCs with the LindowsOS preinstalled.

McNealy championed the Wal-Mart model while taking a shot at competitor Dell.

"Don't go to Dell and buy a Windows PC," he said. "Go to Wal-Mart, you will get just as much technical support."

In the Works

Sun already has technology that could play into its desktop Linux strategy. It is shipping a beta version of the popular GNU Network Object Model Environment (GNOME) 2.0 graphical user interface for Solaris. A final version of the software--which gives Linux a similar look and feel to Windows--is scheduled to ship in the second half of this year, according to Sun.

In addition, Sun has a variety of applications, such as its PC Launcher and PC File Viewer software, that make it possible to view and edit PC files on a Unix operating system.

Sun could also tempt Linux developers to do their software design work on a workstation running Sun Linux.

Ximian also makes a product called Connector that allows Linux and Solaris clients to connect into a Microsoft Exchange 2000 server and appear similar to a Windows client. This allows Linux and Sun desktops to run Exchange e-mail, calendar, and scheduling functions.

Sun has argued that the real growth area for Linux will be on the desktop and on smaller computing devices such as set-top boxes or terminals, or in household devices such as refrigerators.

"We are very focused on the desktop," McNealy said.

• See more like this:
• sun,
• linux,
• linuxworld,
• desktop linux,
• mcnealy,
• Sun LX50 server,
• Ximian,
• Lindows.com,
• Redmond Linux