McNealy takes aim at Microsoft
Sun Microsystems' chief uses the stage at Computer Associates user meeting to promote Java and slam archrival Microsoft.
The affable executive used the stage here at CA World 97 last night to pound his familiar themes of Java-based thin client computing and the tribulations facing managers of PC networks. And as usual, McNealy's speech was sprinkled with a slew of anti-Redmond barbs.
McNealy has been among several CA competitors--including Hewlett-Packard--who have offered their endorsement of CA's Unicenter TNG enterprise management software platform. The Sun CEO said revenue generated by CA on the Sun platform has grown 900 percent in the past 12 months.
Playing to a hall filled with network managers, McNealy said their ability to handle changes in the market was commendable. "It's not a trivial task, I don't envy you," McNealy said.
He then launched his case for Java-based computing, taking a few stabs at Microsoft in the process. "The only computer most of us don't know how to use is our Microsoft computer," McNealy said.
Other notable anti-Microsoft banter: McNealy used a "no2nt" password to log on the Sun network in a video, and he called on the IT professionals in the audience to freeze their investments in PCs and roll out Java-based desktops. Within Sun, 10,000 desktops will be based on Java Stations within the next year, he said.
"We're going to give you a choice, that's what we're all about," he said.
Earlier in the day, Sun and Computer Associates announced a joint effort to enable the management of Java-based networks and systems. CA also underlined its support for Java and the Java Management Application Programming Interface (JMAPI) effort, an emerging standard for Web-based administration of resources.