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I think Sun desktops were killed by Sun some time ago. I'm referring to SPARC hardware here, x86 is not quite the same. Since OpenSPARC is open architecture, there is probably a chance someone can introduce affordable versions of it for desktops/laptops.
Why is x86 so popular and sold by the millions? Because it's accessible to the majority of population. Most computer graduate students are exposed to x86 and Linux from the very beginning. That's why most of them have no interest in Power or SPARC hardware when years later they run their own businesses or give advice to CEOs on what to purchase.
Oracle are probably not interested in building a community of followers around SPARC, they are just another greedy corp. that chase after financial institutions and big money those institutions can spend on Oracle's overpriced hardware and software contracts.
Everyone I knew who had Sun workstations bailed from the over ten years ago when the writing was on the wall with Linux and x86. If you haven't jumped by now then I can't say I have much sympathy for you.




Member since:
2006-01-14
My department just talked to a rep last week about buying some Sun workstations. Oracle is completely ending all Sun machines aimed at the desktop market. Kind of a problem since out entire CS department revolves around Sun hardware. Their support costs were shockingly high also, like 20% of machine cost per year per machine. Needless to say we wont be buying any of them ever.