The SUN is setting!!
Gregory Miller
gam at cvedc.prime.com
Thu Sep 28 03:00:06 AEST 1989
Dear Sunspots:
Recently Chuck Williams of Contel Federal Systems contributed:
>As I'm sure most of you have seen in the press, Sun is trying to sell off
>their 386i line of hardware. Well, in addition to that they are also
>rumored to be planning the end of the entire SUN3 line and any non-SPARC
>SUN4 machine by December 31!!! In addition, lead times for some of these
>machines have jumped to 240+ days!!
I too read this vicious rumor in EE-Times' (#556 18th, September 89) cover
story. Before we all fall victim to typical journalism, let me add some
additional fact.
I too read (with rage) the story regarding the 386i. While we are not
considering the 386i for our ECAE software (at this point), the law school
I attended here (Portland, OR.) *does* use the 386i and has made a
commitment to that platform for faculty research, C.A.I., and Expert
systems development. To quote my response to Sun when I initially called
for the story would not add constructively to this. %-|
However, Sun Microsystems (Portland office ...sun!nosun!bjones) assured me
they were equally astonished to see the article and likened it to yellow
journalism. I have received assurances from Sun that a letter is
forthcoming from VP Marketing and VP Engineering of Sun-East verifying
their commitment to the 386i.
According to Sun officials I talked to, apparently, Sun *did* explore stwo
alternatives:
A) sell off the 386i line and its progeny
B) commit to the 386i line
In other words, fish or cut bait. Some discussion was had with Intel, but
the EE-Times article is out of date. The discussion lead no where, and
Sun decided to commit to the 386i as a strategy. While I cannot go into
it, let me assure you that under non-disclosure preview of future product
plans, I have seen what appears to be a commitment to the x86i line.
The 386i is basically a strategy product designed to migrate high-end DOS
type PC users to workstations. I think it is well settled that the DOS
emulation under the 386i is a better solution than DOS under SPARCstation.
It is my understanding that Sun is not too concerned with the ultimate
success of the x86i line against SPARC or 680x0; that is, market
penetration is narrowly defined.
Here is an excerpt of Sun's recent mail to me:
>>From: nosun!bob (Bob Jones - PDX Sales)
>>Message-Id: <8909201904.AA02198 at nosun.West.Sun.COM>
>>To: gam at cvedc.prime.com
>>Subject: Re: 386i Rumors
>>
>>Greg
>>
>>Just received my reply from the V-P Mktg. The official disclaimer is
>>couched in "irresponsible speculation" language and a re-affirmation
>>of our commitment to the Intel architecture... its now on the streets
>>from the V.P. Marketing and the V.P. Engineering and references Scott's
>>(McNealy) comments.
>>
>>How would you like me to get a copy of this in your hands - I can leave
>>your copy with Sue at the front desk or send it thru the mail if you like.
>>
>>Regards, Bob.
Now while this is not a guarantee, I have no reason to distrust Sun or Bob
Jones' honesty. I will say it is shame to me that I (wrongly) believed
that the integrity of EE-Times reporting was second to none. Why they dug
this up (or from where) I don't know.
However, rather than reacting, we should be responding. Asking Sun for
the *straight* story is best. They cannot afford to start being
dishonest. A simple "no-comment" is usually enough said.
As to the other rumors, I suggest before we fall victim to the
journalists, lets ask where the rumors come from, and run down a source
before we blindly advance them. The thought of Sun ousting the Sun3 Sun4
lines is border-line absurd (at this point).
And as to 240 days, geez, I'm glad I'm not stuck with Chuck's salesman,
and I do feel sorry for him. The worst wait we've had is 1/3rd of that or
90 days. Again, is the lead time a rumor? According to who? For what
machine (specifically)? On what quantity basis? For how large of a
customer? And on what financing terms?
I say, let's all take a deep breath and respond by asking questions,
before we overreact and electronically paper the world with perpetuating
rumors. Sun is not without fault, but society has a history of crucifying
before all the facts are clarified. :-)
-Good Luck
-My two cents worth
Gregory Miller
Technical Staff
Prime Computer ECAE Software uucp: .....sun!nosun!cvedc!gam
Beaverton, OR 97006 Internet: gmiller at cvbnet.prime.com
-also-
Northwest Computer Law Center
Lewis & Clark Northwestern School of Law
Portland, OR 97219
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