Sun is considering a consumer price model for the Java Desktop System, due next month, providing governmental organizations with a low-cost desktop software stack they can, in turn, roll out to millions of individuals.
Consumer pricing could dip below $10 per individual based on volume and may factor in GDP. OEM pricing will be announced next month.
It will be possible, meanwhile, for the Java Desktop System to be recognized by Sim cards supplied by telecoms operators and normally installed in cell phones.
Use of Sims will provide an authentication mechanism for activities like e-commerce with transactions showing up on people’s phone bills, or e-mail to prevent people anonymously sending viruses.
Overall, Sun’s goal is to replicate in the PC world a service model currently found on carrier networks and handsets.
By pricing Java Desktop System below Microsoft Corp’s [MSFT] combined stack of Windows operating system for desktops and Office, Sun believes it is providing a cost-effective platform for organizations to build out services to large numbers of end users.
Such services would also boot up without Microsoft’s Windows branding.
On security, Sun is pushing the notion of a secure desktop, capitalizing on Microsoft’s considerable misfortune with viruses and worms. Sim’s provide multifactor authentication, meaning viruses are harder to distribute across cell phones.
A Sim on a smart card would, theoretically, be swiped through a machine capable of reading the card. So far, Dell Computer Corp [DELL] and Hewlett Packard [HPQ] ship systems with smart card readers. PCs generally, use USB ports that smart card readers can plug into.
This article was based on material originally published by ComputerWire.
