Solaris Operating System Family Comparison

Which OS is right for you?

• Branded Linux Offerings from Sun
• The Solaris OS for x86 Platforms
• The Solaris OS for SPARC Platforms
• Family Comparison Chart
  
  • Solaris 9 Operating System
  • Solaris 8 Operating System

Branded Linux Offerings from Sun

Sun has standard Linux offerings that are best suited for companies looking for the broadest x86 platform support and horizontal scalability, and companies that have standardized on Linux or commercial Linux applications. Sun's standard Linux solutions are also available for customers who want to draw on the resources of the open source community or who desire free access to source code.

The Solaris OS for x86 Platforms

Sun provides the same benefits and features on Solaris for x86 as on Solaris for SPARC, extending Solaris' value to x86 systems. Therefore, Solaris OS [or x86 platforms is well suited for companies that are already invested in Solaris expertise and commercial Solaris applications, want a predictable release and update process with an application compatibility guarantee, want Solaris source code access--all while still leveraging standard x86-based system hardware and common management tools. Applications that need even higher levels of security than those found in Solaris can also take advantage of Trusted Solaris on x86-based systems.

The Solaris OS for SPARC Platforms

Solaris OS for SPARC platforms is best suited for companies that demand scalability from a few to hundreds of CPUs, require the highest certified security levels, system availability, or horizontal scalability with all of the new Solaris features like Containers and ZFS that are available across platforms.

Family Comparison Chart

This comparison chart covers Solaris 9, 8, 7, and 2.6 Operating Systems.

Sun's Life Cycle Model for the Solaris Operating System.

This summary covers all releases of the Solaris OS - from most current to non-shipping releases that are supported.

Solaris 9 Operating System

Solaris 9 OS Update Release Summary

Update details for specific version releases of Solaris 9.

• Solaris 9 12/03
• Solaris 9 8/03
• Solaris 9 4/03
• Solaris 9 12/02
• Solaris 9 9/02

Solaris 8 Operating System

Solaris 8 OS Update Release Summary

Update details for specific version releases of Solaris 8.

• Solaris 8 2/02
• Solaris 8 10/01
• Solaris 8 7/01
• Solaris 8 4/01
• Solaris 8 1/01
• Solaris 8 10/00
• Solaris 8 6/00