Sun takes to the ice

Sun CEO Scott McNealy has long been one of ice-hockey's biggest fans, and

this week McNealy's company signed an exclusive agreement with America's

National Hockey League (NHL) to become the official technology partner of the

NHL and NHL Players' Association.

The NHL's fan base ranks first among professional sports leagues in use of

the Internet, broadband access, PC ownership and buying power on the Internet.

The broad technology and marketing agreement touches all areas of the NHL's

business, including the NHL.com Web site. Sun will donate new equipment and

programming expertise to enhances the online fan experience. The site is visited

by some 8 million visitors each month, making it one of the most visited sports

web site in the world.

Sun will help expand the NHL's Website with delivery of real-time game data

and scores to wireless devices and interactive TV users. Sun will also provide

the NHL with business processes that will enhance the league's ability to

communicate and conduct business more securely online with its 30 club members

regarding contract information, transactions, scheduling, waivers, scouting

reports and statistics.

Under the agreement, Sun will have exclusive marketing rights in its category

of League premier events such as NHL All-Star Weekend and the NHL Entry Draft,

and a substantial media presence with the League's broadcast partners.

"This is an exciting partnership between two companies with similar brand

identities -- fast, powerful and aggressive," said NHL Commissioner Gary

Bettman. "This alliance will allow the NHL to provide faster, deeper

content to all its fans and expand our business. In turn, it will allow Sun to

showcase its technology and innovation through the game of hockey."

"Besides its brand, one of the NHL's most important assets is its

data," said McNealy. "Sun's open end-to-end technology infrastructure

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hardware, software, storage, and professional services -- will enable the NHL to
derive the maximum revenue benefits from its wealth of detailed operational data

and statistics. Sun is a leader in implementing and maintaining

high-availability, mission-critical data center environments for customers all

over the world and is pleased to work with the NHL on its next generation

Internet presence."