SANTA CLARA, CA -- Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW), a leader in systems and solutions that make the net work, today announced that after more than 15 years of service to Sun, Edward Zander, 55, president and chief operating officer, has decided to retire from his full-time duties with Sun. Zander will remain in his position through the end of Sun's fiscal year. Effective July 1, 2002, Zander will hand over his full-time duties to Scott McNealy. He will then assist McNealy with the transition and begin a teaching and mentoring role at Sun for the balance of the calendar year. "Over the last 15 years, Ed has worked tirelessly to lead Sun through several transformations and to the forefront of the computer industry," said Scott McNealy chairman and chief executive officer, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "We are a leader in our industry today in large part because of Ed's contributions. I want to thank Ed for his unparalleled commitment to our customers, shareholders and employees." "Most importantly, he will leave Sun having developed an incredibly capable and broad team that has the same keen understanding of customers, execution and leadership. BusinessWeek once described him as 'one of the most feared, respected and well-liked executives in computerdom who has transformed Sun into the leading producer of high- power computers.' He leaves behind a significant legacy that will be felt for years to come. Any company should be so lucky as to have a COO like Ed," McNealy added. "I am proud of all that we have achieved at Sun," said Zander. "This is a decision I have considered carefully over the past year. As we are marching down the path back to profitability, and have, for the most part completed our massive product and customer engagement transitions, I believe I have accomplished what I set out to do. From a products, marketshare and strategy perspective, Sun is in a stronger position than it has been for many years. I am leaving Sun on a high note and in the hands of a new generation of leaders that are the result of years of leadership development and succession planning." The company does not intend to name a replacement for Zander. Chairman and CEO Scott McNealy will reassume the title of president effective July 1. "Ed, as a contributor and cultural icon at Sun, is clearly irreplaceable. Looking ahead, our business structure has changed, evolving from a portfolio of companies to a single, integrated organization," added McNealy. After July 1, Zander's direct reports will report to McNealy. Zander will provide additional counsel and assist with the transition through calendar year 2002. As president and chief operating officer, Zander has been responsible for executing Sun's global vision of being one of the largest suppliers of products, technologies and services for making the net work. Zander has run the company's day-to-day business operations, including System Products, Storage Products, Software Products and Platforms, Enterprise Services, iPlanet E-Commerce Solutions, Global Sales Operations, worldwide manufacturing and purchasing, research and development, including the Office of the CTO, customer advocacy, and worldwide marketing. Prior to being named chief operating officer, Zander was the president of Sun's multibillion dollar computer systems business. He also has held numerous other management positions at the company, including president of Sun's software division and vice president of corporate marketing. Zander has more than 30 years of experience in the computer industry. Prior to Sun, he held management positions at Apollo, Data General and Raytheon.