Sun Appoints Schwartz Software Head

Sun Microsystems Inc., ratcheting up its focus on the software side of its business, on Monday appointed Jonathan Schwartz, its current chief strategy officer, as executive vice president of an expanded software group, effective July 1.

Suns expanded software organization will unify its current software operations and brands, including the Solaris Operating Environment, the StarOffice productivity suite, the Java platform and all Sun Open Network Environment products.

Ed Zander, Suns president and chief operating officer, said in a statement announcing the moves that Sun is bringing together its software offerings in a single, customer-focused organization. “Sun Software will be one of the largest software organizations in the industry and … under Jonathans leadership we will continue the great momentum and customer experience established by Pat Sueltz [current executive vice president of software systems] and Mark Tolliver [president of iPlanet],” he said.

While Schwartz would continue in his current role until July 1, he would work closely with both Sueltz and Tolliver on the integration and transition of their organizations, officials said, noting that Schwartz had also been head of its venture and strategic investment group and had previously run its developer tool group and product marketing for the Java platform.

Also effective July 1, Sueltz will lead Suns enterprise services organization, replacing incumbent Larry Hambly, who will retire.

Sun, based in Santa Clara, Calif., also announced that it had formed a new Marketing and Business Development organization, which would be headed by Tolliver as executive vice president.

Zander said this new organization will integrate Suns industry knowledge, product strategy, and partner programs to provide compelling solutions to Sun customers and partners.