More on Sun
Speaking of Jonathan, I think we are slowly seeing his software strategy unfold. An article today in JDJ, Sun outlined its desktop strategy around Star Office and the javacard. Interesting stuff, I guess, but I have my doubts about Sun's ability to be successful in the most consumerish segment of consumer software. In my opinion, Star Office's install base to date has owed its existence to the few people who actually use Solaris as a client operating system, and the anti-Microsoft extemists. Now don't get me wrong, I think that Sun can do some damage by offering a free version of Office, but Microsoft will continue making its file formats just incompatible enough with it that no major company would risk the move.
Besides, Sun is going to have to offer more than this to save themselves and achieve the software nirvana Jonathan has been lauded for. According to the press, they are going to be doing it "Jonathan's way". There is an opportunity right now for someone to steal some of Microsoft's desktop dominance due to a convergence of factors (Microsoft's new focus on the server, Microsoft's new licensing model, market cost pressures, and the rising confidence in Java). Sun is in a decent position to do something, but they have never been successful at consumer-oriented software in the past. We'll see what they come up with - I hope it goes beyond just an Office substitute.
11:27:29 AM 
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