Sun: UltraSparc IIIi+ cancelled

The Register reports that Sun has canceled the long delayed upgrade to the UltraSparc IIIi to concentrate on the UltraSparc IV+ and Niagara 1 and 2 (UltraSparc T1) processors.

Now, I'm no Sun insider, but canceling the IIIi+ to focus on the IV+ and the Niagara might seem like a smart move on the surface, to my thinking this is a mistake. It sends the wrong message to it's big Enterprise customers, who value a steady stream of positive incremental upgrades that preserve the initial equipment investment. And although that doesn't sound very exciting, it keeps Sun's customer happy.

Sun has been gaining positive press lately, which is a good thing. Sun has made marketshare gains and the ship appears to be righting itself. But they still have a long way to go. I just hope they remember they're not there yet.