Sun Microsystems First to Achieve Ford Motor Company's Quality 1 Recognition for Strategic IT Vendors

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 24, 2004 -- Sun Microsystems, Inc. has achieved Ford Motor Company's first ever Quality 1 (Q1) Recognition for strategic information technology (IT) vendors. The Q1 recognition is a stringent process that Ford's vendors are judged upon to prove they have met Ford's highest quality requirements. Of Ford's IT providers, Sun Microsystems was first to have achieved Q1 status.

"Ford set a high bar by challenging its strategic IT product and service suppliers to meet demanding performance requirements to ensure high quality is driven into every Ford vehicle," said Patricia Sueltz, executive vice president of Sun Services. "The Ford Q1 Recognition is our latest success in a long history of achievements with Ford and illustrates our strengths to provide customers with the highest level of services offerings and best of breed solutions that help them achieve their business objectives."

The Q1 recognition was based on an assessment of Sun's processes for controlling quality, ongoing monitoring of quality performance and continuous improvement efforts. In addition, Sun's quality of service delivery, quick response time and ability to exceed service level agreements were key factors.

Sun provides Ford with network computing infrastructure and services. Sun's real-time quality control management systems and preventive services are installed on all Sun systems at Ford.

In addition, Sun currently monitors systems in 80 sites worldwide through a services offering called Sun Services' AutoTone, a customized remote systems monitoring, administration and managed services offering. AutoTone is designed to facilitate rapid, reliable and simplified deployment of computer aided design, manufacturing and engineering throughout Ford and its suppliers.

This recognition confirms the significance of Sun's high quality systems and services and builds on prior successes Sun and Ford have achieved over the years:

  --  Infotronics Lab at the Ford Scientific Research Laboratory teamed with
      Sun to develop the Vehicle Consumer Services Interface (VCSI)
      Architecture, based on Java(TM) technologies, that allows the
      integration of multiple devices and services into the vehicle design.
      Through the interface, future car buyers would have virtually
      continuous access to information services tailored to their needs,
      preferences and locations -- from real-time traffic and weather
      reports to personal calendar notes and restaurant reservation
      services.
  --  Ford teamed with Sun to launch its Java Center of Excellence to help
      Ford bring higher standards to its Java technology-based Web
      application development environment, driving quality of service up and
      costs down.
  --  Ford Financial Credit transformed its global enterprise wide IT
      systems into an e-business, services-driven network, in collaboration
      with Sun, to increase time-to-market, productivity and revenue
      opportunities.

  About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer(TM)" -- has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that make the Net work. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://sun.com/

NOTE: Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc., in the US and other countries.