Sun, Google ink multiyear deal
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--Sun Microsystems and Google on Tuesday announced a multiyear partnership and software distribution deal.
Under terms of the widely expected announcement, the companies will cooperate to make it easier for consumers to acquire Sun's Java runtime, Google's Toolbar and the OpenOffice.org desktop suite.
Sun will include Google's Toolbar as a downloadable option to consumer versions of its Java runtime environment. In addition, the companies will explore future opportunities to "promote and enhance Sun technologies" such as Java and the OpenOffice.org suite.
"Working with Google will make our technologies available more broadly, increase options for user, lower barriers and expand participation worldwide," Scott McNealy, chief executive of Sun, said at a joint news conference in Silicon Valley.
"We look forward to exploring other related areas of collaboration," Eric Schmidt, Google chief executive, said in a statement.
No financial terms were announced. More details to come.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Stephen Shankland writes about a wide range of technology and products, but has a particular focus on browsers and digital photography. He joined CNET News in 1998 and since then also has covered Google, Yahoo, servers, supercomputing, Linux and open-source software, and science. E-mail Stephen, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stshank. 
