DEVELOPER TOOLS

SAN FRANCISCO, SunNetwork 2003 Conference and Pavilion -- Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) today announced a significant enhancement to its iForce(SM) Partner Program that will deliver product development and go-to-market initiatives for its new Sun Java(TM) Desktop System offering. This program enhancement includes the technology, engineering, marketing support and a self-certification process to enable Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to efficiently build and deploy their applications on Sun's new Java Desktop System. The Sun Java Desktop System includes Sun's complete desktop solution and the newest release of its award-winning office productivity suite, StarOffice(TM) 7. "Innovation and opportunity are back. The Java Desktop System is the first credible alternative to today's expensive, proprietary and increasingly insecure PC desktops," said Jonathan Schwartz, executive vice president, Software at Sun. "The iForce Partner Program provides ISVs with everything they need to take advantage of Sun's branding, field and channel programs. By simply registering through the iForce Partner Program, ISVs will have access to the latest documents, technology and channel programs to help them accelerate into the market we'll create together -- around the Java Desktop system." The newest benefit of the iForce Partner Program is a self-certification process for the Java Desktop System providing ISVs with the overall compatibility guidelines for key components of the desktop offering. ISVs who successfully complete the self-certification process will have access to Sun's third-party branding initiatives. The self-certification process opens the door for ISVs to leverage Sun's commitment and momentum with the Java Desktop System. "From Sun's inception, ISVs have played a key role in the adoption, and success, of our platforms. With the Java Desktop System, Sun is reopening the desktop marketplace to the creative spirit and energy of all ISVs -- those seeking unfettered opportunity, heightened security, and a marketplace driven by customers seeking better value and fair pricing," Schwartz added. Partners wishing to learn more about the Sun Java Desktop System can visit http://www.sun.com/partners/javadesktopsystem/