Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq �MSFT�) and Sun Microsystems Inc. (Nasdaq �JAVA�) today announced that Sun has signed on as a Windows Server� OEM. Additionally, Sun and Microsoft will collaborate to further enable deployment of Windows Server on Sun x64 systems.

�Today�s announcement is another example of Microsoft�s commitment to 64-bit computing,� said Bob Muglia, senior vice president, Server and Tools Business at Microsoft. �The Sun hardware platform is an excellent foundation for Windows�-based enterprise solutions such as Microsoft Virtual Server, Microsoft SQL Server�, Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Edition. Our customers will have an additional choice of Windows Server OEM partners with Sun.�

�Sun is now a single source for today�s leading operating systems � Solaris and Windows � on the industry�s most innovative x64 systems and storage products. Customers can now take advantage of the virtualization benefits of Windows and Solaris on Sun�s energy-efficient x64 systems,� said John Fowler, executive vice president, Systems Group, Sun Microsystems. �Microsoft�s recognition of our x64 systems and storage is a testament to the superior system design at the heart of our product portfolio.�