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April 23, 2000
If you're a coffee lover, the word "Java" means nothing more than a cool name for coffee, but to high tech investors, "Java" isn't just another "Cup of Joe". Java is a very powerful language for developing secure, network based, cross-platform software. Whew! That was a mouthful. Basically, it's the language that drives the Internet -- the so called "Web Speak". What's important about Java is that it was developed by a company called SunMicrosystems (symbol=SUNW), aka "Sun". Up to most recently, Sun was best known for its Java language and its UNIX servers…and its desire to destroy Microsoft. But Sun's vision goes beyond a few lines of code and some "behind the scene" servers. It wants to be the lead dog in the race to enable access to the Web at ANYtime, from ANYwhere and to ANYbody. Some may say it's a pipe dream, but there are not many companies better equipped than Sun to take on that challenge.
The recent ruling on the antitrust case against archenemy, Microsoft, is an open door for Sun to further their dream of a completely Java based platform from the home to the office to the Internet. With a new Java development platform, called "Jini Connection Technology", Sun plans to integrate the Internet into every type of electronic device creating "smart devices" such as cell phones, PDA's, office equipment, televisions, even home appliances that can tell you when they need maintenance. These empowered devices will be able to dynamically connect to networks to share a wide variety of services and information.
Sun's vision is a completely networked digital world using Java and Jini. Before you shake your head and say, "No way", read these scenarios put together by Sun (see scenarios ) and take a peek at the future "Java" style.
Sun maintains a strong balance sheet with plenty of cash and a very low long-term debt to equity ratio unlike many high-flying Internet stocks. Sun's revenue growth has also been strong at 35% for the third quarter. While many NASDAQ stocks have under performed the NASDAQ during this most recent downturn, SUN (SUNW) is showing its strength by currently outperforming the Index in this pullback (see graph).
Keep your shades on because SUN has a Bright and Shining Future!
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