Sun Ramps Up Education Plan With Free Software, Discounted Hardware

The new Sun Education Software Portfolio (EduSoft) offers free licenses for Solaris 9, GNOME and StarOffice, as well as a host of Sun ONE software and tools, for educational and research institutions.

Based on 100,000 users, Sun estimated the value of EduSoft to exceed $1 billion, executives said.

In addition to the free software portfolio, educational and research facilities also can purchase a media kit with quarterly software updates for a fee.

On the hardware side, effective Tuesday Sun will sell Sun Ray network appliances to schools starting at $335 for the Sun Ray 1, $540 for the Sun Ray 100 and $815 for the Sun Ray 150, executives said.

Schools also can purchase Sun Ray server software, 17-inch and 21-inch monitors, and the Sun Fire 280R server and Sun Blade 2000 workstation at discounted prices.

In addition, Sun will provide a specialized training program to help schools implement new Sun hardware correctly so they can make the most of their investment, executives said.

Along with the new software and hardware offerings, Sun Educational Services is providing a free Web-based curriculum to eligible Sun education institutions. The courses include training in major technical areas, such as Java, Solaris system administration, Sun ONE infrastructure products and the complete StarOffice productivity suite, according to Sun.

More information on these services can be found at www.sunacademic.com.