Forty years ago, in 1982, the author joined Sun Microsystems, a startup at the time with only about 40 employees. Initially hired as a technical writer, the author quickly transitioned into a marketing role focused on the Sun-1 workstation, learning about the technology alongside the engineers. This involved creating marketing materials like brochures and presentations, attending trade shows, and generally spreading the word about Sun's innovative workstation. The author reflects fondly on this exciting period of growth and innovation at Sun, emphasizing the close-knit and collaborative atmosphere of a small company making a big impact in the burgeoning computer industry.
In a reflective blog post titled "Joining Sun Microsystems – 40 years ago (2022)," published on May 3, 2022, author Andy Pugsley recounts his experience of commencing employment at Sun Microsystems four decades prior, in May 1982. He details the circumstances surrounding his initial contact with the burgeoning company, explaining that he had been working for a small consulting firm when he was approached by a recruiter. This recruiter, whom Pugsley identifies as a "headhunter," presented him with the opportunity to join a startup operating in the then-nascent workstation market. Intrigued, Pugsley agreed to meet with Andreas Bechtolsheim, one of Sun's founders, who made a compelling pitch regarding the company's vision and technological ambitions.
Pugsley elaborates on the nascent nature of Sun Microsystems at the time, highlighting that it was operating out of a small office suite in Menlo Park and consisted of only about a dozen employees. He depicts the environment as dynamic and informal, a characteristic typical of Silicon Valley startups, emphasizing the pervading sense of excitement and potential. He describes his initial role within the company, which involved crafting microcode for a Multibus-based CPU board. This board, as Pugsley explains, was a critical component in the development of Sun's first workstation product.
The author also recalls the rudimentary state of the technology available at the time, illustrating this by describing the use of a terminal connected to a VAX-11/780 at Stanford University for software development. He paints a vivid picture of the laborious process of writing code, compiling it remotely on the Stanford VAX, and then downloading the resulting binaries to the target hardware. This process, while cumbersome, was standard practice in the early days of computing.
Pugsley expresses a palpable sense of nostalgia for this period, characterized by a pioneering spirit and rapid technological advancement. He reflects on the unique opportunity he had to be a part of a company that was instrumental in shaping the future of the computer industry. The blog post concludes with a retrospective appreciation for the experience, emphasizing the formative role it played in his professional development and the lasting impact Sun Microsystems had on the technological landscape. He subtly conveys a sense of pride in having contributed to the early success of such an influential company.
Summary of Comments ( 1 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43846187
HN commenters discuss the author's apparent naiveté about Sun's business practices, particularly regarding customer lock-in through proprietary hardware and software. Some recall Sun's early open-source friendliness contrasting with their later embrace of closed systems. Several commenters share anecdotes about their own experiences with Sun hardware and software, both positive and negative, highlighting the high cost and complexity, but also the power and innovation of their workstations. The thread also touches on the cultural shift in the tech industry since the 80s, noting the different expectations and pace of work. Finally, some express nostalgia for the era and the excitement surrounding Sun Microsystems.
The Hacker News post "Joining Sun Microsystems – 40 years ago (2022)" has generated a modest number of comments, offering various perspectives and anecdotes related to Sun Microsystems.
Several commenters reflect on the legacy of Sun, expressing nostalgia for its innovative culture and the impact it had on the computing industry. One commenter mentions their time at Sun, highlighting the camaraderie and the sense of being part of something significant. Another recalls the excitement surrounding Sun's technologies, particularly during its heyday.
Some comments delve into specific aspects of Sun's history, such as its open-source contributions and the development of technologies like NFS and Java. One commenter discusses the challenges Sun faced towards the end of its existence, including the dot-com bust and competition from companies like Microsoft.
A couple of comments touch upon the acquisition of Sun by Oracle, with differing opinions on the impact of this event. One commenter expresses disappointment with Oracle's stewardship of Sun's technologies, while another offers a more neutral perspective.
Overall, the comments paint a picture of Sun Microsystems as a company that played a vital role in the evolution of computing, fostered a strong engineering culture, and left a lasting impression on those who were involved with it. The comments are largely reminiscent and respectful of Sun's legacy, while also acknowledging the complexities of its later years and eventual acquisition. There isn't a single "most compelling" comment as they each contribute a small piece to the overall narrative.