If you want to use Sun servers, be prepared to start using Sun operating systems (OS). Despite their success with the Java programming language, Sun is still very much in the server software business with their Solaris operating system (which comes preinstalled on every Sun server).

The Sun Solaris operating system is a version of Unix. Solaris, though, has been written in part to be optimized for Sun hardware and has been steadily enhanced by Sun's programming teams. In terms of functionality, it surpasses most of the other Unix/Linux platforms out there. One of the knocks against it, however, is that not only does its functionality surpass other Unix variants, but so does the cost of the Solaris Sun operating system (OS).

Still, if you choose the Solaris Sun OS for your company, you will enjoy these benefits:

1. Access to Solaris system technical support from Sun.
2. Solaris systems scale very well.
3. Sun Solaris operating systems have features like business visualization, secure web infrastructure, and built-in AMP (Apache, MySQL, PHP) stacks.

Also, after years of development, Sun has released an Open Source version of the software called OpenSolaris which is basically the same codebase without the support and with a different update schedule. If you are considering using Sun operating systems in your organization, consider the following action steps.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

First, obtain the Sun operating system (Sun OS) of your choice

If you are going to deploy Sun Solaris in your company, the first step is to get a copy of it. The choice is yours whether to download Sun OS 9 (version 9), Sun OS 10 (version 10) or Open Solaris.

I recommend: If you want the latest version, download Sun Solaris version 10 from Sun Microsystems or grab the most recent version of OpenSolaris. If you want a slightly older version, Sun Solaris 9 is still widely used and well supported.

Consider training your employees on how to use the Solaris operating system

Server software is necessarily complex and should only be configured by professionals. If you have any doubts about your IT staff's ability to deploy and support the Solaris operating system, get them trained.

I recommend: Look at a company like UnixEd to get Sun Solaris training. Also, keep several reference books on hand, like those found on Google Products.

Download usability tools for Sun Solaris like Solaris CDE and Solaris OpenWindows

One way to speed transition to Sun Solaris and make it easier to use by non-power users is to add a graphical user interface (GUI). By default, Unix systems use command line tools only, but with a GUI it is possible to get near-Windows level ease of use from a Unix system.

I recommend: There are two Sun Solaris GUI tools. The first is Solaris CDE (Common Desktop Environment). The other is Solaris OpenWindows from Softpedia. Both have their advantages, and both should be downloaded and tested out before adoption in a company.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  OpenSolaris should, by this time, be a fully functional and stable Sun Solaris platform, but it is still Open Source. It might make sense to use it for evaluation purposes before purchasing a Sun operating system.
• •  Some hardcore Sun Solaris administrators will not like GUIs, but the important thing to remember is that they make it easier for everyone to use the Solaris operating system.
• •  The Solaris operating system can be installed on more than just Sun Servers. According to Sun's site, it has been installed on over 1,000 platforms.