News Corp. Names Sun Microsystems Preferred Vendor for UNIX Systems

PALO ALTO, CA -- Sun Microsystems (Nasdaq: SUNW) announced today that News Corporation, one of the world's largest media companies, has awarded the company with a two-year $100M global sourcing pact. Under the terms of the agreement, Sun is named the preferred vendor for UNIX® systems, and is granted first right of refusal to sell UNIX-based servers and related products throughout News Corporation's affiliated companies worldwide. ``We chose Sun to supply our UNIX-based servers for the quality and cost of their products, and for Sun's ability to support News Corp operations globally,'' said Loran Fite, executive vice president and CIO, News Corporation. ``We look forward to working with Sun as we continue to build and service our global IT infrastructure.'' As the preferred UNIX systems provider to News Corporation, and the number one selling vendor of UNIX-based servers in the world, Sun will provide its Sun Enterprise(TM) servers, Sun StorEdge(TM) arrays, the Solaris(TM) Operating Environment, iPlanet(TM) software, Sun Professional Services(SM), Sun Educational Services and Sun Enterprise Services. Together, the proven integrateable solution from Sun will power News Corporation's back office applications, including data warehousing and customer relationship management (CRM) applications, accelerate the development of smart media services, and enhance the management and dissemination of digital entertainment, education, news and information content. ``This is a big win for Sun and for News Corporation. They clearly understand the benefits of using a proven, open platform from Sun and the advantages in leveraging their investments in applications, operating systems, and administration, across their corporate data center,'' said Ed Zander, president and COO of Sun Microsystems. ``News Corporation has an opportunity to lead the media industry in intelligent application of digital asset management and open, digital systems for broadcast operations and Sun will be there to support News Corporation in these endeavors.'' For more information visit www.sun.com