SAN DIEGO, 2004 ESRI International User Conference, Aug. 10 - Sun Microsystems, (Nasdaq: SUNW - News), the creator and
leading advocate of Java(TM) technology, today announced that ESRI's recently
released ArcGIS 9 includes support for Sun Java System Application Server and
Java technology. Featured today at the 2004 ESRI International User
Conference, ArcGIS 9 provides customers with secure, Web-based services for
seamlessly integrating geographic data with existing business and analytical
applications. ESRI is a leader in geographic information system (GIS)
software.
 
ArcGIS 9 slashes time-to-deployment cycles up to 10-fold for ESRI customers through its support for JavaServer(TM) Faces technology, a framework used to develop dynamic, powerful Web applications. Specifically, leveraging Sun Java Studio Creator, ESRI customers can quickly integrate ArcGIS 9 services into legacy applications by building interface components based on JavaServer Faces technology.

"Through secure, powerful, and easy-to-use GIS web services, as well as components for web based enterprise development, ArcGIS 9 revolutionizes the way our customers develop applications and manage their business," said Jay Theodore, Software Development Lead, ESRI. "Our customers bet their businesses -- and often public health and safety -- on their ability to leverage and seamlessly integrate GIS information in real time. Our support for Sun technology in the release of ArcGIS 9 reflects this mission-critical requirement. Sun provided us with a technology vision and roadmap that is helping us maintain our market leadership position."

The release of ArcGIS 9 builds on a successful history of collaboration between Sun and ESRI. Prior to the release of ArcGIS 9, ESRI deployed ArcWeb Services, which offer a way for ESRI customers such as Miles Media and National Geographic to integrate GIS subscription-based services within Internet or custom Web applications without having to host the data or develop the necessary tools themselves. Handling as many as 2 million data subscription service requests daily, ArcWeb Services are powered by Sun Java System Application Server Enterprise Edition, Java technology, and Sun servers running the Solaris(TM) 9 Operating System.

Sun Services provided architectural design and training and is delivering ongoing management support through a three-year Sun Managed Services Site Support program for ArcWeb Services. The latter is helping ESRI, which is currently sustaining in excess of 99.95% availability, to meet service level agreements (SLAs) with its customers.

Joe Keller, vice president of Java Web Services and Tools, Sun, commented: "Subscription business models rate as this decade's business megatrend. Our drive to migrate Sun products and services to subscription business models positions Sun as a preferred provider for subscription services businesses delivered by our customers. ESRI is at the forefront of its market. We are pleased to provide them the most powerful Web Services infrastructure that makes this possible."

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer(TM)" -- has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that make the Net work. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://sun.com .

NOTE: Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Solaris, Java, JavaServer, and The Network is the Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

CONTACT: Maureen Welch of Fleishman Hilliard, +1-415-318-4290, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , for Sun Microsystems, Inc.; or Steve Trammell of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., +1-909-793-2853, ext. 2366, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .