September 23, 1998
(Executive Council)

Network Computing Centre of Excellence MOU signed

Premier Brian Tobin; Everett Anstey, President of Sun Microsystems of Canada Inc., and Sam Walters, Chair of Operation ONLINE Inc., today signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a Network Computing Centre of Excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador. The centre will position the province as a leader in one of the most dynamic and growing areas of information technology.

This agreement represents a commitment to the development of state-of-the-art capabilities to meet global demands in the emerging field of network computing, driven by increased use of Java technologies.

"The information technology industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is a vibrant one," said Premier Tobin. "This one-of-a-kind Centre of Excellence will allow us to expand our knowledge and capabilities into the field of network computing, putting us on the leading edge. Through training we will build necessary skill sets to develop an internationally recognized expertise, and the centre itself will add to our already impressive list of technological infrastructure. I am confident our increased capacity will attract even more IT opportunities to this province."

The Network Computing Centre of Excellence will provide a development and test environment for applications written in the Java programming language. Developers who write 100 per cent Pure Java software applications can focus on the content of their application rather than the hardware and operating system, as the Java platform provides a safe "Write Once, Run Anywhere" capability.

Network computing allows organizations and individuals to obtain applications and services from the network, using open standards-based web technologies rather than traditional proprietary desktop and server solutions.

Sun Microsystems Inc. is a leading provider of high quality hardware, software and services for enterprise-wide network computing. Its Canadian subsidiary, Sun Microsystems of Canada Inc. is headquartered in Markham, Ontario, under the leadership of Newfoundland native Everett Anstey.

"The establishment of the Network Computing Centre of Excellence represents the cooperative efforts of industry and government, and is a demonstration of Canadian initiative and ingenuity," noted Mr. Anstey. "The potential for Newfoundland and Labrador to develop and market Java technology applications is great, and we are pleased to cooperate with the province and Operation ONLINE to make it happen."

Operation ONLINE Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation created to advance and promote Newfoundland and Labrador's rapidly growing information technology sector. Its mandate is to provide leadership and investment in information technology as a catalyst for economic renewal and growth in the province.

"Strategic alliances are invaluable, and this particular relationship will move the province's information technology industry into a whole new realm," said Operation ONLINE Chairman Sam Walters. "With Sun Microsystems' expertise and the enthusiasm and innovation that exists in this province, this Centre of Excellence is sure to be a success."

With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, work begins on the logistics of establishing the Centre of Excellence.

Media contact:

Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3564
Susan Stuart, Sun Microsystems of Canada Inc., (905) 415-7903
Lori Churchill, Operation ONLINE, (709) 729-6000

1998 09 23                                                                      2:40 p.m.