Back to the Future: The Evolution of Sun Microsystems' Business Model (1982 to 2007)

by Henry W. Chesbrough, Margarita Constantinides
30 Nov 2008

This case study outlines the time period between 1982 and 2007 of Sun Microsystems. The case showcases the company's long history with open source software and open innovation, as well as its history of proprietary software and proprietary technology. With the company's announcement in 2006 that it would make much of its proprietary software available under open source terms, the company was again re-entering an open innovation phase, with the hope that the strategy would drive adoption of its software and thus increase revenue and profitability. By 2007, Sun Microsystems seemed to be on a path back to its more open technology roots and the case study ends at that point in the company's history.

Details

Pub Date: Nov 30, 2008

Discipline: Strategy

Subjects: Entrepreneurship, Venture capital, Innovation, Technology, Corporate strategy

Product #: B5689-PDF-ENG

Industry: Technology,Venture capital

Length: 19 page(s)