Sun Microsystems took a global perspective when re-evaluating its download strategy for Solaris, the company's flagship operating system. Rather than continue collecting a fee for each download of Solaris x86 edition, Sun has opted to eliminate the charge entirely.
The decision was due in part to feedback from Asian and European customers who were unable to place orders using US dollars. Sun hopes the move will increase demand for its wares on the PC platform, and follows the company's recent announcement of a newly forged alliance with AMD.
Downloads for all Solaris x86 releases, including platform editions and Solaris 8, were freed up as of December 9. Sun previously charged $20 USD per download. Users are bound by a license agreement limiting use to non-commercial applications, development and evaluation.
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