Sun Microsystems (NASDAQ: JAVAD) who provide network computing infrastructure solutions that include computer systems, software, storage, and services, announced that they have added Israel as the fifth country to join their Sun Startup Essentials program. The program helps eligible start-up companies by allowing them to purchase a range of discounted Sun products and services, including the award-winning Sun Fire x64 servers and Sun Fire servers with CoolThreads technology. Program members can also work with Sun worldwide hosting partners Layered Technologies and Navisite, plus regional hosting partner NTT Europe Online, to rent discounted Web-hosting infrastructure based on Sun technologies.

Sun is doing this to plant a seed for the future. As they work with start-ups, the more successful these companies get, the more they will end up using Sun's suite of products. It seems to me that this is a brilliant program. To date, outside the United States, they run the country in China, India, U.K., and now Israel. Speaking about the reasons for starting the program in Israel, Juan Carlos Soto, vice president of Market Development at Sun, said "We hope to sign up 500 companies to the program. This country is an obvious place for Sun to expand the program into because of its strong technology sector and the fact that behind the U.S., it is the largest venture capital market in the world. Plus it has more scientists and start-ups per capita than any other country."

Looks like Sun's move is their seal of approval as to the state of Israeli ingenuity. It seems like it is alive and well.

Aaron Katsman is the lead Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. and Senior Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com. Disclosure: Writer has no position in any stock mentioned as of 12/8/07.