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Sun CEO On Razors And Blades

Posted by Zonk on from the sign-up-for-linux dept.

Kadin2048 writes "In an interview with BusinessWeek online, Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy sheds some light on the company's new business model and future direction. In particular, he said that Sun's recent open source moves were part of a new strategy, where 'The software is the razor. The razor blades are the servers.' The move was called a huge risk by BusinessWeek, and it would put Sun at odds with the more traditional Microsoft-esque model with high per-seat or per-server software licensing costs and use commodity PCs and servers, which may not go over well with investors. But after having seen its stock slide and users flee for Linux and Windows, they arguably have little to lose. Perhaps the most interesting development to Slashdot readers is that in an effort to draw new developers to the platform, Sun is offering a deal that seems torn from a cell-phone company playbook: offering a "free" Ultra 20 Opteron workstation if you sign up for a $29.95/mo, 3-year service contract."

4 of 233 comments (clear)

  1. Re:a free WHAT? by AndrewStephens · · Score: 3, Informative

    Actually its $30 a month (== $360 per year). Still a good deal.

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  2. Component Hardware first then gravy by phorest · · Score: 4, Informative

    It would seem you buy the hardware first @ $360.00 then the rest is all gravy (software and such) @ $720.00. Retail, the system is probably about 800.00. Still not a bad deal.

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    God: When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all.
  3. Wrong several times over... by Junta · · Score: 3, Informative

    The cost is $1080 dollars, since it is ~30/month minimum of 3 years.

    Second, an Ultra 20 Opteron does not mean 20 Opterons, it means a workstation model 20 with one processor.

    So, while reasonable, not nearly incredible.

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    XML is like violence. If it doesn't solve the problem, use more.
  4. Sneaky way to get all of the payment up front by thpdg · · Score: 3, Informative
    "Payment method for this promotion is credit card only. The credit card used at time of your Sun Store purchase must be valid for 3 years to allow for proper 2 and 3 year payment installments. If credit card used is valid for less then 3 years, card will be billed in full for all 3 years at the time of delivery."

    Make sure you check the expiration date on your card before you order!

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    -Patrick

    "They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."