Mad Hatter to join Linux tea party

Sun Microsystems resellers will be able to extend their portfolios with the vendor's open source desktop, which could be available for the channel to test by November.

The new x86-based PCs are part of Sun's Project Mad Hatter, aimed at pushing Linux further into Microsoft desktop territory.

Mad Hatter combines Java Card authentication, an open source desktop software stack, and off-the-shelf hardware to allow users to access their client systems regardless of location or workstation.

Sun calls the Linux PCs 'enterprise clients'. The vendor explained that they will be bundled with servers and software and sold as part of an entire system.

Deborah Lees, marketing manager at Sun channel development partner tplc, said: "It will expand the reach of resellers that traditionally sell back-end servers across the enterprise.

"The PCs will have all the office products you expect, and will lower the cost of ownership."

Although Sun confirmed that resellers would be given the opportunity to evaluate products in preparation for next year's launch, the company was unable to say when the desktops would be ready.

However, Lees said that tplc is planning to have them in its iForce Centre for reseller evaluation by November.

Steve Raby, director of partner sales at Sun, indicated that the vendor is already talking to resellers about the benefits it can offer customers, such as cost reduction and security as well as value-add opportunities.

James Governor, an analyst at Illuminata, suggested that the product will be easily managed. "Value added resellers will just put it in, set it up and let it run. It will offer users a lower cost of ownership," he said.

See also:

Sun expands Mad Hatter strategy

Thin client version of Mad Hatter Linux desktop to be annouced this week  17 Sep 2003

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