Sun to port Linux to its hardware

Sun Microsystem's is opening its doors further to Linux with plans to have a version of the operating system on its workstations and servers.

Last week, it announced the availability of the Java 2 platform on Linux. Now it is apparently relinquishing its vice-like grip on promoting the expensive Solaris in favour of Linux, which is free.

Clive Longbottom, analyst at Strategy Partners, said the move is an attempt to open up the market for selling more Ultrasparc microsprocessors, Sun's proprietary chip, whilst at the same time making it appear "more altruistic."

"It gives out a message that Solaris is not the only way forward," he said.

"Every non-Intel based Solaris box is based on Ultrasparc. By getting rid of the expensive operating system, the cost of a box is reduced. Companies will be more inclined to buy Sparc over IA-64," he added.

He said that companies may ultimately choose Solaris after running Linux as they hit scalability issues.

"Applications written in Linux will be binary compatible with Solaris. If they hit scalability problems, they may buy Solaris," he said.

According to a story yesterday, Sun is not planning on preinstalling Linux on its machines but will offer a Red Hat Linux distribution to customers.

A Red Hat spokesperson said: "As far as we are concerned that is a rumour."

No-one at Sun Microsystems was available to comment.