Is an IBM-Sun acquisition in the works?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that a deal involving IBM Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. could come as early as this week.

The Journal is reporting that the deal is being driven in part because both companies make computer systems that do not rely on Microsoft’s Windows software and Intel processors. Sun and IBM also are strong supports of open source software.

There is still a risk that a deal could fall through. An IBM spokesman declined comment , and Sun didn’t return phone calls.

The Journal reported that IBM is likely to pay about $6.5 billion in cash for Sun.