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  • December 1999
  • Case
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Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A): An Enterprise of Change

By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:7
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Abstract

In 1999, Sun Microsystems, Inc., was claiming a leadership position in the burgeoning world of e-commerce and networking computers. Its goal: "to dot-com the world." What was it about Sun's culture that made it so conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship? And how could a $12 billion company with 30,000 employees and offices in 150 countries retain the spirit of the four computer guys who founded it 18 years earlier?

Keywords

Business Ventures; Leading Change; Innovation Leadership; Information Infrastructure; Corporate Entrepreneurship; Business Growth and Maturation; Growth and Development Strategy; Global Strategy; Experience and Expertise; Technology Industry; Computer Industry

Citation

Kanter, Rosabeth M., and Jane Roessner. "Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A): An Enterprise of Change." Harvard Business School Case 300-074, December 1999.
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About The Author

Rosabeth M. Kanter

General Management
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Related Work

    • December 1999
    • Faculty Research

    Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A1): "Dot-comming" the World: Philip Nenon on a Billion Dollar Bet

    By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
    • December 1999
    • Faculty Research

    Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A2): Network Visions: Mike Clary on the Product that Hid in HR

    By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
    • December 1999
    • Faculty Research

    Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A3): Network Computer: Robert Gianni on Answering the Skeptics

    By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
    • December 1999
    • Faculty Research

    Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A4): Sun Peak: Helen Yang and Mark Walden on "Running Sun on Sun"

    By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
    • December 1999
    • Faculty Research

    Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A5): Solaris 7: Rich Green on Product Strategy and Culture Change

    By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
    • December 1999
    • Faculty Research

    Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A6): Enterprise 250: Mark Canepa on the Newcomer as Change Agent

    By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
    • December 1999
    • Faculty Research

    Sun Microsystems, Inc. (B): Nurturing Entrepreneurs and Change Agents

    By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
Related Work
  • Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A1): "Dot-comming" the World: Philip Nenon on a Billion Dollar Bet By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
  • Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A2): Network Visions: Mike Clary on the Product that Hid in HR By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
  • Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A3): Network Computer: Robert Gianni on Answering the Skeptics By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
  • Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A4): Sun Peak: Helen Yang and Mark Walden on "Running Sun on Sun" By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
  • Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A5): Solaris 7: Rich Green on Product Strategy and Culture Change By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
  • Sun Microsystems, Inc. (A6): Enterprise 250: Mark Canepa on the Newcomer as Change Agent By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
  • Sun Microsystems, Inc. (B): Nurturing Entrepreneurs and Change Agents By: Rosabeth M. Kanter and Jane Roessner
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