Sun launches Linux initiative aimed at SMBs

Sun Microsystems in collaboration with Net iTech Asia Pacific and Chennai based Accel ICIM would be rolling out its low cost computing solutions based on Linux for the growing SMB sector in the country.

The Sun/NITIX offering would be rolled out by Accel, which has been appointed by Sun as its premier Linux System provider for its Linux initiative in the country. 

Sun hopes that customers would find it attractive to go for a solution that offers Sun's hardware platform with a user friendly and feature rich Linux OS at an affordable price. "The total cost of ownership is 50 percent lesser than other solutions. Also, we are offering enterprise-class features by putting together products of seven companies," said Sun Microsystems
director-sales Rajesh Rege.

On the projected revenues for the coming year, Accel ICIM president and COO SV Sriram said, "The addressable market size for Linux is around 6,000-8,000 units a year. We will be focusing on segments like manufacturing, education, retail, textiles and cooperative banks." 

Accel hopes to grow the SMB market for Linux by creating awareness and tapping the
existing database of its customers.

"The NITIX solution could co-exist on platforms that use Windows NT as the front end system. Users can migrate to the Linux OS over time," said Net iTech Asia Pacific CEO Mohan Menon. He added that the NITIX offering is a play-n-play Linux solution that ensured auto-installation, auto back up, an auto configuring router, integrated firewall, VPN, redundant Internet connectivity and a disaster recovery system. 

According to Menon, most companies were still hesitant to use Linux for the enterprise since they were not familiar with the system and also due to the lack of manpower. 

CyberMedia News 

Bangalore