FAQs

Java Desktop System combines the best of open source software with the technical innovation of Sun to offer an affordable, comprehensive, fully integrated desktop client environment with administration and developer tools that lower business costs, reduce complexities of desktop management, and provide a secure computing environment. The desktop components are based on open source and standards and include the GNOME desktop environment, StarOffice productivity suite, Mozilla browser, Evolution mail and calendar client, and Java 2 Platform Standard Edition. Java Desktop System is a major component of the Solaris 10 Operating System.

Java Desktop System for Linux OS has been discontinued and has entered end of life.

The alliance between Microsoft and Sun provides Sun access to the proprietary interfaces for Microsoft products. This includes things like the MS extensions to DHCP, Kerberos, DNS and other industry standards. With access to these interfaces, the Java Desktop System, as well as other products from Sun like Solaris, will be able to interoperate with Windows-based servers and environments more seamlessly and more completely than ever before. Sun still has more announcements on how we will implement this alliance in the future.

Project Looking Glass is a technology showcase only at this point. Components of Looking Glass Technology may be included in future versions of Java Desktop System.

We have done usability studies designed to determine the level of retraining required for migrating to the Java Desktop System. We also use and contribute to usability guidelines like the GNOME UI and the Java UI. System architects can become familiar with these guidelines at developer.sun.com and gnome.org.

• A well integrated system, e.g. plug-in support, mail and browser functionality, mime type support, etc.
• Easy to use and familiar to Windows users, especially with regard to system navigation and layout.
• Includes StarOffice, a full-featured office productivity suite.
• Cost advantage : available for free with Solaris 10 OS.

• Java Desktop System is a major component of Solaris 10 Operating System, and Solaris is a free download.

• Solaris 10 Operating System, which includes Java Desktop System, is available as a free download or for a nominal fee on media. Go to the Solaris Get It page.

The Java Desktop System Single User Product and Media Kit includes a Support Entitlement Certificate which provides the installation support contact information and a unique serial number. The support is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Brazilian Portuguese only.For more information on the support available, please check out http://www.sun.com/service/support/software/desktop/index.html.

Sun offers the following Java Desktop System Training programs:To access the training, please go to http://training.sun.com.

Please contact your sales representative for more information.

Sun Workshop for Secure Network Access Platform (JDS Version)
This fixed-price, fixed-scope workshop uses collaborative discussion, technology demonstration (when appropriate), Return on Investment (ROI) analysis, and recommendations from Sun experts to help customers envision the desktop environment that addresses their unique business issues. Sun experts provide customers with a concrete set of next steps for moving forward with the Java Desktop System including identifying customer's key business drivers as well as potential process and technical issues.
Part number: PS-ARNCWS, Duration: 2 DaysSun Proof of Concept Service for Secure Network Access Platform (JDS Version)
The Proof of Conceptis a time and materials service to design,implement, and evaluate a Proof of Concept model for the customer's desktop architecture requirements. The service will demonstrate whether the proposed desktop architecture is capable of delivering existing and future business and personal productivity applications in a way which is both acceptable to users and capable of achieving the intended business benefits. The service is delivered by first examining the customer requirements, issues, and current desktop situation. Then a desktop architecture model is designed to meet the requirements. A small scale model of the proposed architecture is then built and deployed on site. The model is used and evaluated by a select group of users and a detailed evaluation report is produced by Sun.
Part number: PS-ARNCPC; Duration: Time & MaterialSun Architecture and Implementation for Secure Network Access Platform (JDS version)
This Time and Materials Architecture and Implementation will identify and assess the customer's architectural requirements for a desktop environment, and will design and specify the hardware and software components of such an architecture. In addition, the service includes the installation, configuration and mentoring to provide a production desktop solution. Ideally this Service should be delivered in conjunction with a variety of supporting services (e.g. a organizational development project, a training project, an operational process project, a change acceptance project, etc) to provide the full start-to-finish solution for the customer.
Part number: PS-ARNCDI; Duration: Time & Material

The Java Desktop System Media Kit includes a Support Entitlement Certificate which provides the desktop client software installation support contact information and a unique serial number. Telephone Support: Call one of the support telephone numbers shown on the Support Entitlement card and provide the unique serial number printed on the Support Entitlement card. Email Support: Email installation questions directly to the support center address shown on the Support Entitlement card and provide the unique serial number printed on the Support Entitlement card. For more information on the support available, please check out: http://www.sun.com/service/support/software/desktop/index.html.

NOTE: This Installation and Configuration Support does not include Installation support for the server-side System Management or Developer Tools.

The Java Desktop System home page is located at:
http://www.sun.com/software/javadesktopsystem/

Sun Developer Network provides content and program services for developers. Developers can access technical articles and documentation, take online tutorials, attend training Webcasts, and join the community in online forums by joining the Sun Developer Network. The Desktop Tech Topics area http://developers.sun.com/techtopics/desktop/index.html provides a focus area for Java developers using the Sun Java Desktop System. Customers can register for a free membership in Sun Developer Network by starting at http://developers.sun.com/