BIZ BITS: THE WORD AUGUST 2005

CEO Sound Byte
Sun Microsystems, Inc. CEO, Scott McNealy

Sun Microsystems has been going for 23 years now, and it hasn’t wavered from its original vision that “the network is the computer.” The firm has grown to become a leading provider ofl hardware, software and services that “make the net work” in over 179 countries and on the World Wide Web. CEO Scott McNealy remarks on the mission, vision and strategy that will be driving Sun’s future success.

“We believe we’re moving out ofl the Ice, Iron, Industrial and Information Ages into the Participation Age. You get on the Net and you do stuff—IM (instant messaging), blog, take pictures, publish, podcast, transact, distance learn—you are participating on the internet, not just viewing stuff. We build the infrastructure that goes in the data center that facilitates the Participation Age. We build that big WebTone switch—the infrastructure piece that has the whole wefl services stack: security, directory, identity, privacy, storage and computing. We have a cause, and that is to eliminate the digital divide. We have a strategy that’s very different from everybody else’s, and it’s community development. The way we say that is with the “S-curve”. It’s not for Scott; it’s not for Sun; it’s for share! We’re grabbing that word and saying that, oflanybody, we own the word “share.” We believe that our strategy, way more than a PC on everybody’s desk or a mainframe everywhere, is the way to make that happen.”

Luxe Lounge
Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

Gwen Stefani has stood on the piano and belted out one oflher hits and a few oflthe Rolling Stones have played a set here at the Ritz-Carlton’s Lobby Lounge, on instruments provided by the hotel’s house band. But whether you’re a celebrity or not, the lounge’s flair for cocktails is famous. The Lobby Lounge is also the most popular place to partake oflthe wine-by-the glass list, one oflthe largest in the city with 27 wines offered as well as ruby, tawny and vintage ports, champagnes and premium gins and vodkas. Visitors to the area often find the Peachtree Martini (vodka, a splash oflpeach Schnapps and an orange slice) a particular local fancy. And the bevy ofl beverages doesn’t end there. After a hard day’s work, guests have the opportunity oflpartaking oflany oflthe Lounge’s 11 wines sold by the halflbottle, especially for those who want to enjoy a fine wine but might not want a full bottle before going to dinner. The list includes Patz & Hall Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2001 and the legendary Opus One Cabernet Blend, Napa Valley 2001. The floor-to-ceiling bay windows, residential-style seating and antique marble fireplace all add to the lounge’s ambience, making it the perfect place to wrap up the day.

Key to Business Speed
Nokia Wireless Keyboard

Ever thought the buttons on your cell phone are too small to keep up with your mile-a-minute texting prowess? Nokia has created the Wireless Keyboard; a tool that moves at the speed oflmodern business. The compact device is foldable and uses Bluetooth wireless technology for faster and improved productivity in emailing, text messaging and note-taking while away from the office environment. Providing ease ofluse and comfort, the keyboard can be used with Nokia phones based on the Series 6flplatform, including the Nokia 7610, Nokia 663fland Nokia 626flphones, for up to 5flhours. Optimized for heavy use ofltext-based applications, the keyboard includes four directional arrow keys and short-cut keys to speed up access to the main terminal menu and messaging applications. The Nokia Wireless Keyboard will be available at the end oflthe year from $149. www.nokia.com