I think this is mainly the effect of their realization of growing threat from Linux and Open Source. There is no reason, for example, that the storage stuff that Sun's doing with Microsoft's virtual disk or shadowing cannot be done much more cost-effectively on Linux. Yes, they have seen the enemy and they know that fighting between themselves would only make it stronger. Of course, there's the little thing about the massive leverage enjoyed by us Open Sourcers due to hugely distributed economies of scale. Note to SUNW and MSFT : why don't you make it even more entertaining for us and just merge?