IBM to buy Sun Microsystems for $7 billion

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Socoder -> On Topic -> IBM to buy Sun Microsystems for $7 billion
Wed, 18 Mar 2009, 13:50
Scherererer	www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/technology/companies/19sun.html?_r=1&ref=technology What do you all think? Personally, I don't like it. IBM and Sun are the two of the biggest server providers in existence today... although it would be good for them, it could have big ramifications for everybody else. A lot of the software/hardware giants are re-consolidating themselves, and I think we're going to be seeing a lot of big monopolies forming again. Although IBM will still have to face HP-Compaq, I think a merger with Sun will leave them even further behind. This is slightly an aside, but something to look out for for all you Microsoft developers, I saw an interview of Bill Gates, where he said that their biggest competitor was IBM. I think a merger like this, especially with Sun, who has their own platforms for web services, JIT-compiled language platforms w/ fully featured libraries, a pretty solid server OS-- Microsoft is going to have to be on their toes, because their biggest market is in the corporate sector, which is someplace where companies like Apple just can't touch them. It might be a good idea to make sure you know java~ -=-=- YouTube Twitter Computer Science Series: Logic (pt1) (part 2) (part 3) 2's Complement Mathematics: Basic Differential Calculus
Wed, 18 Mar 2009, 15:20
steve_ancell	So I guess Java will probably no longer be free, after IBM take over !... Most of these big companies like to charge through the nose for some products.
Wed, 18 Mar 2009, 15:23
steve_ancell	And I.B.M Java, doesn't seem to have the same ring to it as Sun Java !
Wed, 18 Mar 2009, 15:29
Phoenix	No, I doubt it. If they would start charging for people to use Java, that would be the death of it. I don't like this either, though. Like Instinct I'm not fond of these everyone buys everyone schemes, but there's little you can do about it apart from complaining.
Wed, 18 Mar 2009, 16:28
Stealth	Apple just can't touch them. Apple has a pretty big market share in businesses. Not to mention the iPhone is quickly becoming the most popular smartphone in the business world. -=-=- Quit posting and try Google.
Wed, 18 Mar 2009, 17:47
steve_ancell	So would I be right in assuming, that it's still worth carrying learning Java then ?
Wed, 18 Mar 2009, 18:01
Scherererer	As far as server infrastructure goes, Apple has very little steak by comparison to Windows Server 200X and the various versions of Linux, and Solaris. XServe can't compete. I don't think Java will ever be "for pay"-- even the free permutations of C#.NET would pecker slap java if that happened. \|edit\| I think it will be more important than ever to learn java if this occurs \|edit\| -=-=- YouTube Twitter Computer Science Series: Logic (pt1) (part 2) (part 3) 2's Complement Mathematics: Basic Differential Calculus
Wed, 18 Mar 2009, 19:30
mike_g	Yeah, but with the new iPhone that's coming out you will be able to send pictures and use your phone as a modem O_O The merger may create a monopoly for the big businesses that rely on IBM and Sun, but I doubt it will have too much noticeable effect for anyone else. Most smaller outfits tend to use Linux anyways. I still don't think its a great thing tho :/
Wed, 18 Mar 2009, 19:53
JL235	Regardsless of if this goes ahead or not, Java is still an industry standard language and according to some statistics easily the most popular language in the world. As for Sun, this is probably a good move. They are a failing company with a niche OS (good but niche), that sell overpriced servers that 1 on 1 underperform when compared to x86 (the future is x86). Their flagship product is a free programming language coupled with free tools. Although Java works well on their products (I've heard _very_ well), there is no reason why I can't use other cheaper providers for my server/OS/support needs. They have never recovered from the .com bubble and it's only a matter of time until they go bankrupt or are bought up. For a while there has been speculation about the future of Java because Sun might go under. Many have said they should start a non-profit 'Java foundation' to develop and look after the brand. But in reality it's Sun's only really successful product, and that's what IBM is really after. IBMs software is all built around Java (I have about 8 JVMs on my machine at work cos I run IBM software) and so having Java itself too completes the set. They too are starting to be on the way down as other competitors are able to offer the same service in an easier/cheaper way. The only thing I worry about is that Sun has been trying to push Java for mainstream home use more and more in recent times. For example they have been improving their java technology in regards to applets for websites (faster startup times), and there are lots of game related libraries and conferences over the last few years. IBM is not interested in home products, just enterprise technology where the real money is. The future is HP!
Thu, 19 Mar 2009, 05:12
CodersRule	I'm scared of them upping the price of the paid MySQL stuff. I guess I'll just have to stick with the free ones
Fri, 20 Mar 2009, 10:14
Scherererer	Ballmer: The IBM/Sun deal will help Microsoft is.gd/od43 -=-=- YouTube Twitter Computer Science Series: Logic (pt1) (part 2) (part 3) 2's Complement Mathematics: Basic Differential Calculus
Mon, 20 Apr 2009, 07:05
JL235	It's now been announced that Oracle will be buying Sun instead of IBM. Personally I think this is a very good move for both companies. Sun offers a lot of software and technologies that can complement Oracles existing products. Sun will be saved. linky
Mon, 20 Apr 2009, 07:11
steve_ancell	On the subject of Sun, does anyone know which course in the UK I would need to apply for, in order to be trained to an industry standard, and how much £GBP would it be ?. I'm currently a student with Learn Direct, but I dont think they do those kind of courses.
Mon, 20 Apr 2009, 07:43
JL235	You might be able to find some Java courses through the Sun site, that is where I would advise looking. I know they definitely offer various certification exams, but I believe this is just an exam without a course. I went through a past Sun Java certification paper at work once and without trying, using only about two thirds of the time and whilst working I got about 80%. It was a very easy, but very broad range of questions. The type of thing where if you've used Java for a few years (like me) you'll pass it easily. If your an ace programmer who has used Java for only a month then you probably wouldn't do so well. For example there are lots of questions that relate to common parts of the API, which you only learn through repeated use. Personally though I don't see much gain from it. Personally I also wouldn't bother with any of the highstreet commercial courses, like Computeach. I've heard stories from lots of employers who see the results of the courses as not relevant and too basic. I'd personally recommend a proper academic course at a university or courses provided by product vendors. Obviously there are terrible colleges, universities and vendors around so I'd research it thoroughly. But I'd probably advise them over LearnDirect. I am interested though, what kind of work have you covered so far?
Mon, 20 Apr 2009, 10:50
dna	I like the idea just for sake of IBM. They fell out of the PC computer business, but with sun they maybe could get another foothold in the PC Business by reusing the older tech when it becomes dated for businesses. -=-=- DNA
Mon, 20 Apr 2009, 19:09
steve_ancell	JL235 I am interested though, what kind of work have you covered so far? They are going to put me through some serious paces. I've been told I've got to do Numeracy and Literacy, then ECDL, before I can go into programming. I'm aiming for employment as a web developer. A Java certificate would be the ultimate cherry on the cake. So far with Java, I have only got as far as having sprites flying around the screen.