Sun gets EU server deal

Sun Microsystems Inc. will supply the European Union with servers and associated software for its various institutions, bodies and agencies located primarily in Brussels, Belgium and Luxembourg.

The five-year award is worth about $141 million, or almost 96 million euros, with the European Commission, the EU's executive body, contributing $120 million, or 81 million euros.

Sun of Santa Clara, Calif., will provide about 1,100 servers that conform to the Single UNIX OS Version 3 specifications, including options, extensions and associated services.

The contract also calls for Sun to meet specific technical criteria, including quality, functionality and performance; reliability and scalability; and compliance with ecological standards.

The contract was awarded to Sun in July 2007 but was not announced until Jan. 31.

The EU comprises 27 independent nations and almost 500 million citizens. Founded in 1957, it was formerly known as the European Community or European Economic Community.