TECHNOLOGY : Sun to Unveil Computer That Makes User’s Desktop Portable

Sun Microsystems today will introduce a cheap computer that allows employees to access all the files and applications that are on their desktop computer from anywhere else on their workplace’s computer network.

The Sun Ray 1 computer appliance works with “smart cards” that employees will carry to identify themselves and costs as little as $9.99 a month, company executives said.

Sun’s system works by storing the employee’s files and applications on the server, instead of on the hard drive of an employee’s computer.

The product will initially be targeted at large offices, including call centers, financial workplaces and the education market, said Duane Norphcutt, chief technologist of the Sun division in charge of appliances and Web services.

The machine is the second prong in a renewed Sun attack on Microsoft Corp. that began last week, when the Palo Alto-based maker of large computers bought Star Division, which makes office software that competes with Microsoft Office.

Sun said it would distribute Star’s word processor, spreadsheet and other tools for free or charge rent for their use over the Internet.

Sun’s appliance fits in with the firm’s broader attack on the dominance of personal computers, which it argues are overly complicated and expensive, not to mention mostly dependent on Microsoft systems.

It also follows declarations by start-up companies such as Desktop.com and Web Operating Systems Inc. that they can offer access to a user’s desktop from anywhere through the use of a Web browser.

“What it’s done is effectively take the computer off the desktop,” Norphcutt said.

Sun shares rose $1.81 to close at $86.31 on the NYSE.