Sun Microsystems Inc has signed internet-related deals with the same two major Hong Kong companies that Microsoft Corp signed agreements with last week. With top property developer Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), Sun will launch a broadband internet service called SuperHome.net offering a range of information and e-commerce options to residents of SHKP’s flats. SuperHome.net will provide residents with entertainment, news and fashion information, and will enable on-line booking of residential and educational services.
Sun chairman Scott McNealy said the concept of a residential e-community environment had the potential to change people’s lifestyles. I feel sure that in a city as vibrant as Hong Kong, Super Home.net will rapidly become a lifestyle convenience of the same magnitude as the mobile phone, he said. Microsoft’s earlier deal allows it provide integrated computer services to SHKP’s commercial and industrial buildings.
Sun has also entered an agreement to provide software to Cable & Wireless HKT’s Business@Netvigator web portal, including its free Star Office suite of office-productivity applications which competes with Microsoft Office. Microsoft’s earlier deal with the territory’s dominant telco allows subscribers to download Microsoft software, watch digital films, send and receive video email and play interactive games.
