This innovative service extends the power of utility computing from the data center to the desktop. Applications and data are secured, archived, and delivered via SAVVIS' virtualized IT utility platform, which is designed to provide server cycles, storage capacity, and network bandwidth as an on-demand service. The Sun Ray ultra thin client is integrated into a flat-panel monitor with excellent graphics capabilities used to access programs from and store files in a centralized server environment. The solution utilizes Tarantella Secure Global Desktop Enterprise Edition to support Microsoft Windows applications including Microsoft Office Legacy Midrange and Mainframe applications and Sun's StarOffice Productivity Suite running on the Solaris 10 Operation System.

The service is initially available in Europe, with plans for expansion to the U.S. later this year. It is currently deployed and being tested by a leading financial institution in Europe. Due to the interest levels from potential customers, SAVVIS has created a 14 day trial program to allow potential customers to more easily see the significant benefits this solution can bring.

End-users will see improved reliability of their systems as the Sun Ray thin client has no local disk drives or processors that could be points of failure. IT professionals will be pleased with the improved security of the integrated solution, as the SAVVIS utility allows for dynamic provisioning of firewalls and defense-in-depth architectures. All businesses can benefit from the unique economic model supporting the service, which requires no up-front capital expense, lowers operational costs, and significantly improves scalability.

With this new desktop utility service, end-users are no longer tied to a specific desktop or laptop computer. The end-user accesses his or her individual desktop environment by inserting a personal Java Card technology-enabled smart card into the Sun Ray thin client. This gives end users instant access to their desktop applications and data. Users may suspend their sessions at any given point by removing their Java Card card. They may restart the session exactly where they left off by simply inserting their Java Card technology-enabled smart card in any Sun Ray appliance on their network.

SAVVIS launched its virtualized utility services platform in 2004. It is currently installed in SAVVIS data centers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia and serves companies of all sizes across industries. SAVVIS' virtualized platform is the only one of its kind that offers every single piece of the IT infrastructure - network, hosting, storage, compute, and now desktops - on a pay-as-you-go, massively scalable basis. These virtualized, on-demand services improve agility as they can scale up and down to meet business demand while providing tailored service levels to match the unique needs of each application.

"Our customers are looking for a utility computing solution that extends from the data center to the desktop," said Roger Keyes, Global Engagement Leader, Desktop and Mobility, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "SAVVIS' virtualized utility services platform and end-to-end management systems integrated with the Sun Ray thin client is the answer for these business customers, and we can deliver it today."

"The desktop utility is the next logical step in our vision to combine virtualization technology with automation software to deliver the IT services running today's enterprises," said Rob McCormick, Chairman and CEO of SAVVIS. "We're pleased to work with Sun in this important endeavor and look forward to expanding the service globally."