Sun Microsystems and the N-tier Architecture

Richard L. Nolan; Kelley  Porter

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Case | HBS Case Collection | September 1998 (Revised March 1999)

Sun Microsystems and the N-tier Architecture

by Richard L. Nolan and Kelley Porter

Abstract

Sun Microsystems is a pioneer in networking computing. Sun's servers maintain a large market share and are considered highly scaleable. The case describes the n-tier architecture for building and managing large networks in which thousands of workers and customers are connected to enterprise servers.

Keywords: Technology Networks; Information Technology; Technological Innovation; Business Strategy; Innovation Strategy; Information Technology Industry;

Format: Print

20 pages

Educators Purchase

Citation:

Nolan, Richard L., and Kelley Porter. "Sun Microsystems and the N-tier Architecture." Harvard Business School Case 399-037, September 1998. (Revised March 1999.)

About the Author

Richard L. Nolan

William Barclay Harding Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus

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Working Paper | HBS Working Paper Series | 2016

Big History, Global Corporations, Virtual Capitalism

Richard L. Nolan

Homo sapiens has mastered its environment so thoroughly that, for the first time in history, a small minority of the population is capable of creating enough food and fuels to support not only itself, but also a growing majority of the 6 billion people now living on earth. This unparalleled abundance is allowing our species to develop, distribute, and profit from innovation in nearly every corner of civilization. Now key elements of the modern world such as the speed and connectedness of digital communication, the dynamic movement of capital, and the changing nature of political boundaries are propelling capitalism into a new form that can be characterized as "virtual capitalism." And global corporations in their size and global influence are leading the embodiment of virtual capitalism into the modern world.

Keywords: Economic Systems; Internet; Innovation and Invention; United States;

Citation:
Nolan, Richard L. "Big History, Global Corporations, Virtual Capitalism." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 16-116, March 2016. (Revised October 2016.) View Details

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Case | HBS Case Collection | September 2015 (Revised February 2016)

Novell (A): When an Activist Hedge Fund Came Calling on the Board

Richard L. Nolan

No corporation and its board of directors is immune to a disruptive shareholder activist attack. The Novell (A) and (B) cases take students through a shareholder activist attack and its aftermath—a saga that spanned 5 years. The cases outline the activist playbook in conducting an attack, the board's response, and key decisions that must be made.

Keywords: Investment Activism;

Citation:
Nolan, Richard L. "Novell (A): When an Activist Hedge Fund Came Calling on the Board." Harvard Business School Case 916-404, September 2015. (Revised February 2016.) View Details

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Supplement | HBS Case Collection | September 2015 (Revised February 2016)

Novell (B): Board of Directors Aftermath of Hedge Fund Attack

Richard L. Nolan

No corporation and its board of directors is immune to a disruptive shareholder activist attack. The Novell (A) and (B) cases take students through a shareholder activist attack and its aftermath—a saga that spanned 5 years. The cases outline the activist playbook in conducting an attack, the board's response, and key decisions that must be made.

Keywords: Investment Activism;

Citation:
Nolan, Richard L. "Novell (B): Board of Directors Aftermath of Hedge Fund Attack." Harvard Business School Supplement 916-405, September 2015. (Revised February 2016.) View Details

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Sun Microsystems and the N-tier Architecture

Abstract

Citation:

About the Author

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