Press Releases

SUN MICROSYTEMS ANNOUNCES CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY A "SUN CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR DIGITAL LIBRARIES"

Association Provides Critical Steps Toward a New Model for Digital Libraries

ITHACA, N.Y. - July 06, 2000 - Sun Microsystems, Inc., (NASDAQ: SUNW) and Cornell University have announced plans to construct the technology platform designed to pioneer the next generation model for digital libraries. In addition, as one of the leading adopters of digital library technology, Sun Microsystems named Cornell University the "Sunú Center of Excellence for Digital Libraries." Cornell University Library will serve as an international model for the digital library environment of the 21st century.

In association with Endeavor Information Systems, the top-selling library automation vendor, Sun Microsystems' technology is the incubator for the first full-featured digital library solution, called ENCompass. Just introduced to market, ENCompass now makes it possible for libraries to digitize their vast collections through the use of a standard commercial package, thereby lowering costs to libraries. The Sun-Endeavor-Cornell alliance provides the critical next "step" in realizing the new standard for digitizing library collections.

"Developing the technological, professional and economic infrastructure to manage the rapid pace of current change is a tremendous challenge," said Cornell University Librarian Sarah Thomas. "This collaboration allows us to implement a diverse array of digital library services ranging from multi-media publishing to basic research in the long-term preservation of electronic data."

Research libraries are at the center of a revolution in the creation, publication, and distribution of digitally processed information. Increasingly, libraries license and manage access to thousands of electronic publications and information services. They create digital collections based on their own holdings and virtual collections by combining unique materials worldwide.

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The Cornell University Library has been a pioneer in such initiatives for over a decade. Associate University Librarian H. Thomas Hickerson noted, "Our combined relationship with Sun and Endeavor is particularly compelling as it allows us to move forward in realizing a new model for research libraries."

The joint Sun-Endeavor solution is designed to allow libraries to implement digital collections through the use of a standard commercial package. "Most academic libraries don't have the technology, expertise or budget to design, implement and maintain a custom digital library application," said Kim Jones, vice president, global education and research at Sun Microsystems, Inc. "The availability of ENCompass provides a roadmap for libraries wanting to digitize their collections." Such developments are designed to allow the research library to function in its traditional role as an encyclopedic resource for the preservation and dissemination of disciplinary and cultural materials while expanding its services to a networked environment that supports teaching, research and distributed learning.

"As more libraries turn their attention to organizing digital content, Endeavor is there to provide a unified access system for information, regardless of location or content. Encompass assists libraries like Cornell with a digital library solution," explained Jane Burke, Endeavor's President and CEO. "We are proud to partner with Cornell, a leader in the digital library revolution and I am pleased that Sun Microsystems is such a positive partner, recognizing the future of digital libraries."

Currently, Sun Microsystems technology is the dominant platform for library automation systems, as evidenced by more than 500 library installations featuring Voyager and Endeavor's automated software solutions. Sun Microsystems and Endeavor Information Systems are strongly committed to the education market, and remain on the forefront of ongoing research and development of cutting edge academic library technology.

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About Endeavor Information Systems/ENCompass

Endeavor Information Systems, based in Des Plaines, IL, and was founded in September 1994. Over 650 academic and research libraries of every size have chosen Voyager, Endeavor's integrated library management system. ENCompass uses new technology standards like XML, EAD and Dublin Core to describe, index and search electronic resources. ENCompass provides seamless searching across digital object collections while managing and controlling links for separate repositories. ENCompass ties together resources, creating a more effective research base. For more information, visit Endeavor http://www.endinfosys.com. Contact: Penny Emke, Endeavor Information Systems, (847)296-2200 ext. 2655.

Cornell University

For more information about Cornell library's role in the association, contact H. Thomas Hickerson, at (607)255-9965, or Sarah Thomas, (607)255-3689.

Sun In Education

Sun is a leading provider of open network computing solutions to colleges and universities around the world, powering academic, research and high performance computing systems, campus administration, digital libraries and student instruction systems. In addition, Sun is committed to connecting the world's students to the Internet, beginning with primary and secondary schools and extending to all levels of higher education. For information about Sun in Education, please visit http://www.sun.com/edu.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc., in the United States and other countries.

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