Sun previews "Mad Hatter" desktop system
WinInfo | at | by Mike
When it comes to desktop computing and ease of use, no company comes to mind more quickly than Sun Microsystems, right? Right? Hello? Is this thing on? Anyway, Sun is hell-bent on creating a low-cost alternative to the Windows desktop, and its solution, appropriately enough, is dubbed Mad Hatter. Basically, it consists of Linux, the GNOME user interface, Sun's StarOffice product suite, Ximian Evolution email, Mozilla Calendar, and the GAIM instant messaging application, Sun says, and the company promises interoperability with Microsoft Office and Exchange Server, and Lotus Notes. Sun claims the total cost of ownership (TCO) of its system will be just 80 to 90 percent of the Microsoft solution, but shouldn't it be far less? Sun is vague on the details of the system--like actual pricing and release date--but it should be an interesting development to watch. You know, as it dies an ignominious death ala the Network Computer, the 3COM Audrey, and any other piece of unnecessary technology you can think of.