Sun invests in AccessLine

BELLEVUE: Network computing powerhouse Sun Microsystems Inc. has made a

"substantial strategic investment" in private communications services

firm AccessLine Holdings Inc., AccessLine said on Monday. But, the company did

not disclose the exact amount it had invested.

Including the Sun investment, AccessLine, which provides communications and

voice mail services, has raised a total of $55 million in its second round of

funding.

The two companies have also struck a deal that enables AccessLine to use

Sun's technology and products, global sales channel and partners to deliver a

wide range of hosted communications services worldwide.

On June 19, AccessLine, a wholly owned unit of AccessLine Holdings Inc.,

closed a $45 million round of funding led by investment banking firm Goldman

Sachs, with Gabriel Venture Partners, Venrock Associates, Invesco, Chase H&Q

and others.

The funding will be used for general working capital purposes, including the

continuing build-up of its nationwide network, growth of its hosted

communications services, expansion into international markets, and an increase

in its enterprise and telecom sales force.

(C) Reuters Limited 2000.