Sun, EDS Expect Joint Offerings to Generate $3 Billion

Electronic Data Systems Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. announced June 16 a program to jointly offer customers complementary, on-demand IT offerings, including Web site management, data center outsourcing and application service provider hosting services based on Sun's platform.

The companies expect the "Continuum of Services" program to generate $3 billion in future sales over the next five years.


Under their agreement, Sun Microsystems of Palo Alto, Calif., and EDS of Plano, Texas, will team to develop and deliver customized solutions for Global 500 customers. The agreement covers development, promotion, marketing, revenue targets, planned cross-training, account planning, offering development and marketing strategies.


The Continuum of Services program will give customers choice and flexibility in the products they use, said Masood Jabbar, executive vice president of global sales operations for Sun Microsystems.

Sun will provide the hardware, software and architecture: Sun Enterprise servers, Sun StorEdge products, the Sun Open Net Environment architecture, Java technology and technical consulting expertise and iPlanet software.

EDS will provide services including systems implementation, integration, consulting and outsourcing. Both companies are developing, deploying and supporting the solutions that result from the Continuum of Services program.


"We believe the strategic selling model has changed. Customers demand speed, expertise and the type of relationship that bring all solution elements together: hardware, software, services and integration," said John Wilkerson, vice president of EDS Global Alliances and Indirect Market Strategies. "The strength of EDS' integration, consulting and outsourcing capabilities combined with Sun's strength in products and services creates an unbeatable offering for our customers."


EDS and Sun each have $19.2 billion in annual revenue.