Sun Microsystems Expands Leading Storage Virtualization Platform with New Model for Small Enterprises and Branch Offices

Modular Sun StorageTek 9985V Storage System Complements Sun Server Virtualization Capabilities like Solaris Operating System (OS) Containers, Provides Thin Provisioning and Support for VMWare ESX.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.-Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAVA) today announced the expansion of its leading storage virtualization portfolio: the introduction of the Sun StorageTek 9985V Enterprise Storage System, concurrent with its technology opartner, Hitachi Data Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT). Today’s announcement expands the reach of the latest virtualization capabilities into Sun’s high-end storage portfolio and into new storage products that are expected to ship next quarter CY’07.

Like the previously announced Sun StorageTek 9990V system, the new and modular Sun StorageTek 9985V storage system delivers industry-leading performance and scalability in addition to new thin provisioning capabilities. Its Dynamic Provisioning software helps improve storage utilization, save money and give customers an easy, transparent way of adding additional storage as needed over time. In addition, both the Sun StorageTek 9990v and Sun StorageTek 9985V systems now support VMWare ESX virtualization software.

The new capabilities of the 9985V complement Sun’s server virtualization technologies such as Solaris Containers as well as the server virtualization capabilities of our partners.

“Customers need to consider both the server environment and storage environment when developing a virtualization strategy for their data centers. Sun and Hitachi Data Systems have worked together for many years to deliver enterprise-class storage solutions that use the latest technological innovation to help customers solve challenging data management problems. We are building upon the success of Sun StorageTek 9990V system by expanding the virtualization capabilities that enterprise customers need onto other storage systems. Look for more to come,” said David Kenyon, vice-president of product management, Storage Group, Sun Microsystems, Inc.