Feature Story

By Leslie T. O'Neill

March 18, 2008 - Your company doesn't have to be global to benefit from expertise of a global IT leader. Sun offers solutions optimized for smaller companies, and products that are cost-efficient without compromising performance. From entry-level servers to blades to storage devices, Sun systems for small and medium companies cover the IT spectrum, and start at just $895.

Examples of small and mid-sized companies using Sun technology to gain competitive advantage include Gracenote, which delivers music to mobile devices. Mapmaker Fortius uses Sun technology to produce creative, intelligent maps that make learning geography, location decisions, and problem solving easier than ever.

"Sun technologies deliver a competitive edge to small and medium companies that look to IT to establish or differentiate their products," says Christine Beury, Sun's distinguished marketing director, systems marketing. "Likewise, our alliances with Microsoft, Intel, AMD, and others have broadened the entry-level choices for our customers.

Solutions for SMBs

Sun has designed real-world solutions to help SMB customers identify the best technologies for solving specific problems. The solutions combine Sun hardware and software, leading third-party applications, and deployment recommendations to target the needs of small and medium size business. Some of the solutions are:

• Run More Efficiently: Virtualize — When you virtualize and consolidate with Sun's ultra-efficient x64 and CoolThreads servers, you improve application availability and save money, time, and energy.


• Manage Your Data Better — Use powerful Sun servers to run leading database software, including Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, or PostgreSQL software. With your choice of pre-loaded Windows Server or the open source Solaris OS, you'll have your database management solution up and running in no time.


• Upgrade Your Email — This is an easy-to-implement, cost-effective server and storage configuration for Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, which uses Sun's powerful 64-bit servers and storage to leverage Exchange Server's 64-bit architecture. Optionally, this solution includes CommVault software that enables you to maintain compliance while upgrading.


• Protect Your Assets and Data — Sun's award-winning tape libraries, robust storage software, and Sun CoolThreads servers with strong security features give you broad storage choices for heterogeneous environments. Backup software options include applications from Symantec, BakBone, and Sun.


• Improve Web Security — Your choice of cost-efficient Sun servers, software, and OS configurations makes your Web infrastructure bulletproof. Web security is built into Sun Java System Web Server 7.0 and Apache, and Sun's x64 servers support Microsoft IIS for maximum compatibility with your existing Microsoft software infrastructure.


• Deploy Web Services Faster — Virtualization speeds your deployment of new Web services with affordable, scalable Sun CoolThreads and x64 servers. It also makes your organization more adaptable to changing business conditions.


• Win the Spam Wars — Sun's CoolThreads servers ship pre-loaded with Symantec Brightmail AntiSpam software, offering unmatched message security and cost efficiency. No other server can deliver as much anti-spam compute power in so little space and using so little power.

Decide Fast, Acquire Faster

Small and medium-size business don't have the time to mull over complex purchase decisions or wait for delivery. Sun simplifies the acquisition process with a one-stop resource for product information and guidance on building an optimal infrastructure. Sun also partners with resellers, including CDW, that specialize in the SMB market to provide fast response times for ordering and delivery.

"Small and medium companies have to make fast, but knowledgeable, decisions, and then rely on a supplier that gets them the technology just as quickly," says Beury.

Sun's products are ideal for small and medium organizations because they combine technological innovation based on industry standards with freedom of choice in hardware and software. The recently refreshed line of x64 systems powered by either AMD Opteron or Intel Xeon processors lets you run the operating system of your choice, whether it's the Solaris OS, Microsoft Windows, or Linux.

Sun also offers resource-efficient rack servers and blades which can slide right into your existing architecture. Sun's UltraSPARC-based systems also deliver extraordinary bang for your buck, with prices nearly one third the cost of similarly configured x86 servers from the competition.

Two other Sun programs also offer special benefits to SMB customers. With the Try and Buy program, you get a trial system shipped directly to you to plug in, test, and stress in your unique operating environment for 60 days. If you decide to purchase the system, you receive a 25 to 45 percent discount. Qualifying startup companies can get a leg up with the Sun Startup Essentials program, which lets customers purchase industry-leading systems at a significantly discounted price. The program also includes discounted partner hosting services, free software, and free technical advice.

Find Out More

Visit Sun's new site for small and medium businesses to find out today how Sun can help your small or medium business gain a technical edge and drive profitability.