In what the two companies describe as a "joint experiment," Sun and Microsoft will work together to ensure that Solaris runs well as a guest on Microsoft virtualization technologies and that Windows Server runs well as a guest on Sun's virtualization technologies. Sun and Microsoft will also work together on a support process for customers who are using the virtualization solutions.

The cross-platform virtualization experiment represents an expansion of the Sun-Microsoft strategic alliance initiated in April 2004. The joint commitment to customers ensures that Windows and Solaris will provide what the companies describe as "a solid virtualization experience."

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

"Microsoft's recognition of our x64 systems and storage systems is a testament to the superior system design at the heart of our product portfolio," said John Fowler, executive vice president, Systems Group, at Sun. "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 virtualization benefits of Windows and Solaris on Sun's energy efficient x64 systems," he added.

Since the initial agreement in 2004, Microsoft and Sun have collaborated on interoperability for Web services, identity management, thin clients, systems management and Windows Server engineering. Sun offers Windows Server installation and staging services through its Customer Ready Systems program, providing support for customers with more advanced pre-integration and testing needs. The two companies have also created a basis for tighter interoperability between Java Platform Enterprise Edition (Java EE), the .NET Framework 3.0 and Windows Communication Foundation in Sun's Web services interoperability technologies (Project Tango). Sun is also a founding member of the Microsoft Interoperability Vendor Alliance and a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner.

 

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