Given Sun's flirtations and missteps over the years with its Linux and x86 strategies, color me unimpressed with "open solaris". Sun's Solaris OS for Sparc does some amazing things, handles amazing loads, and has a huge installed base; yet it still lags behind in new features and basic performance. No matter the number of studies or quotes on "the real TCO" of both platforms, Linux on x86 continues to displace Solaris on Sparc every single day. And I'd venture that Solaris x86 is probably the worst of both worlds.

Business Week Online comments on Sun's Open-Source Solaris.

Sun's recovery--if it comes--will be based on innovation and lower prices, a tough combination since innovation costs money. Open-sourcing Solaris barely moves the needle.

Ouch: "Sun's recovery--if it comes"