On June 9, Sun Microsystems announced the next release of Sun Internet Mail Server (SIMS) version 3.5 and the first version of a Web-based calendaring and scheduling software called Sun Internet Calendar Server. The two products are aimed directly at ISPs and enterprise service providers as part of Sun`s new Solaris NetBusiness services initiative.
The value proposition offered is based on an approach called "user consolidation" in which the number of users per server is maximized to drastically lower administration time, reduce hardware and software investments, and improve system reliability, all possible due to the scalable and ease-of-use features of the products.
Sun Internet Mail Server 3.5 adds Web browser access, anti-spam protection, improved security through SSL and Entrust X.509 certification support, and easier administration features that include automatic failover to a backup server for continuous operation during maintenance and system failures.
The Internet Calendar Server offers multithreaded operation, personal and group calendaring and scheduling that are accessible through standard Web browsers, and support for emerging iCalendar standards for interoperability among users of different products. Pricing for Sun Internet Mail Server 3.5 is between $1,496 (departmental) and $3,495 (enterprise); availability is scheduled for September. Sun Internet Calendar Server 1.0 is scheduled for release in the fall. Pricing has not been released.
Internet collaboration continues up the growth curve, driven by a seemingly insatiable demand for groupware and messaging products. However, there is a new breed of collaboration applications that must withstand the rigors applied by service provider customers who typically have a lower tolerance for service-related problems. Vendors are investing in the development of scalable, feature-rich products while seeking out strategic partnerships with ISPs and telcos in the hope of positioning themselves at the head of the service provider banquet table. The recent announcements by Sun Microsystems portray a company set on leading the way in this market.
Internet Mail Server
Sun Microsystems markets the latest version of Internet Mail Server to the ISP market by focusing mainly on its cost savings ability, accomplished by maximizing the number of users per server. This strategy is not unprecedented given that other products designed for ISPs and telcos make similar claims, such as Netscape`s Troopers ISP. However, Sun has a distinct advantage over most other ISP-provider wannabes due to its track record and the existing relationship it has with service providers for its industrial-strength operating systems and hardware boxes.
On the product side, Sun`s new server high-availability function that provides instant failover during failures on the main server should appeal to ISPs -- which cannot afford to have tens of thousands of subscribers stranded without access to their e-mail for any period of time. Web browser access is also becoming a must for the ever-increasing base of mobile and remote users who are not always equipped with a fully configured POP3 or IMAP4 client.
Internet Calendar Server
Aside from scalability and reliability, products aimed at the ISP market will have to provide functionality that sets them apart from the rest of the maddening crowd. The more features built into the software, the less development work required of the ISP, whose core competencies are elsewhere.
Sun`s first release of its Internet Calendar Server addresses a need second only to that of messaging, as the same users spend a significant amount of time organizing calendars and scheduling and attending meetings. With the worldwide new user growth of group calendaring and scheduling predicted to grow at double-digit rates over the next several years, users will seek out applications -- especially ones available at no additional cost -- that provide convenient, easy access to calendaring and scheduling features.
For example, WebCal, a privately held company that maintains the EventCal Web site, announced free Web-based calendaring and scheduling services in May that support Web browser access and synchronization for popular clients, including Outlook 98 and PalmPilot. Only one month later, WebCal reported a user base of more than 100,000. It plans to offer related services by targeting niche markets in the near future, mostly free of charge. Other free messaging services are being extended by ISPs at an amazingly fast rate. Key advantages of these services, aside from cost savings, include their accessibility and convenience.
Apart from the browser access offered by Sun`s Internet Calendar Server, it is apparent that Sun is striving toward universal interoperability by incorporating emerging iCalendar standards. Although these are not yet full standards, Sun has the foresight to be among the first vendors to begin incorporating the iCalendar protocols.
Sun Is Hot for ISPs
The recent announcements by Sun Microsystems make it clear that the company is very focused on the ISP market and has much to offer. Along with the announcement of the two new products and the NetBusiness services, Sun announced a global alliance with Lucent Technologies that is designed to offer a prepackaged suite of networking products. Partnering with a heavyweight like Lucent allows Sun to combine complementary core competencies to offer a tailored ISP solution.
Sun`s experience with powerful Unix operating environments and Lucent`s knowledge of the design, development, and implementation of networking solutions makes the combination especially appropriate for the ISP market. Global access to the two sets of channel partners makes the combination even more formidable.
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