Fergie's Tech Blog

Update: Google, Sun to bring StarOffice to Web

Update: Nate Mook writes in BetaNews:

Google and Sun kicked off a multi-year partnership at a special event on Tuesday, inking a deal to distribute each other's software. The two companies will collaborate on ways to make it easier for consumers to obtain Sun's Java runtime, the OpenOffice.org productivity suite and the Google Toolbar.

By working with Google, Sun could better compete with Microsoft through increased online promotion. "Working with Google will make our technologies available more broadly, increase options for user, lower barriers, and expand participation worldwide," said Sun CEO Scott McNealy.

Google and Sun Microsystems are expected to unveil a collaborative effort Tuesday that will bring StarOffice productivity applications to Google users, according to sources familiar with the companies' plans.

The move is expected to be part of a larger technology initiative in which Sun will help Google build a network to provide Web-based applications that will enable the companies to compete with their common rival, Microsoft.

Google and Sun are expected to hold a press conference in Mountain View, California, Tuesday morning where Google Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt and Sun Chairman and CEO Scott McNealy will be on hand to unveil a partnership between the search giant and the computer systems vendor.

Company representatives have been extremely tight-lipped about what exactly will be announced, but industry sources have speculated that Google is interested in offering more Web-based applications to compete with Microsoft.

posted by Fergie @ 10/04/2005 10:51:00 AM