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Tarantella, Inc.

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Tarantella, Inc.
Company typePublic (former)
IndustrySoftware
PredecessorSanta Cruz Operation (SCO) division responsible for Tarantella
Founded1993
FateAcquired by Sun Microsystems in 2005
SuccessorOracle Corporation (as part of Sun Microsystems acquisition)
Headquarters
Santa Cruz
,
United States
ProductsTarantella product suite, Oracle Secure Global Desktop, Canaveral iQ
ParentSun Microsystems (2005–), now Oracle Corporation

Tarantella originated as a product suite developed by a branch of Santa Cruz Operation (SCO) beginning in 1993. In 2001, SCO rebranded itself as Tarantella, Inc. after divesting all but the division responsible for Tarantella. On July 13, 2005, Sun Microsystems acquired Tarantella, Inc. for $25 million USD; the business now functions as a unit within Oracle Corporation.

The company's portfolio includes the Oracle Secure Global Desktop series of terminal service solutions, previously marketed under the names Sun Secure Global Desktop, Tarantella, and Canaveral iQ.

Tarantella Product Development History

In 1993, SCO purchased IXI Limited, a UK-based software company recognized for its X.desktop product. The following year, Visionware from Leeds, UK—developers of XVision—was also acquired. These entities were combined in 1995 to create IXI Visionware, later known as SCO’s Client Integration Division.

This division focused on software that bridged Microsoft Windows and UNIX environments and adapted its offerings to run across various UNIX platforms, including those from rival vendors.

By 1997, the division introduced Vision97 (renamed Vision2K), a product suite featuring XVision Eclipse (a PC-based X server), VisionFS (a UNIX SMB server developed by the Cambridge team), TermVision (Windows terminal emulator), SuperVision (Windows user administration), among others originating from Leeds.

Simultaneously, starting in 1996, an independent group initiated the Tarantella project with the goal of delivering "any application, any client, anywhere" by enabling access to back-end applications through any Java-capable web browser.

Initial demonstrations of Tarantella occurred in December 1996; its first public release was launched in November 1997. Early iterations broadened compatibility with additional application and client types—including native clients—and improved scalability and security features tailored for enterprise deployment.

Toward the end of 1999, the product was renamed Tarantella Enterprise II alongside a streamlined Tarantella Express edition for Linux; this was essentially a rebranded version 1.x as no version 2.x was issued.

In April 2000, SCO restructured into three divisions: Server Software, Professional Services, and Tarantella. The Tarantella brand gained visibility through its dedicated website at www.tarantella.com.

Version 3.0 debuted in November 2000 under the name Tarantella Enterprise 3, featuring a comprehensive server-side rewrite in Java and availability on Linux and leading UNIX platforms. Subsequent updates within the 3.x series enhanced integration capabilities to better compete with rival solutions such as those from Citrix.

Corporate Evolution of Tarantella

Following its divestment of UNIX operations in 2001, the company adopted the name of its remaining product line. Although revenue increased, persistent technology sector downturns prevented profitability and led to missed sales targets. Workforce reductions occurred throughout 2001 to 2003.

In 2003, failure to meet NASDAQ SmallCap listing requirements resulted in a 1-for-5 reverse stock split. That year also saw the acquisition of New Moon Systems, creators of Canaveral iQ—a Windows terminal services product positioned against Citrix offerings.

Financial challenges continued during 2003. CEO Doug Michels revealed that "isolated business practices" within European sales negatively affected income streams. This triggered comprehensive revenue evaluations and delays in quarterly financial disclosures, further violating NASDAQ regulations.

In September 2003, Chairman Alok Mohan assumed the role of acting CFO after Randall Bresee's departure. The company was delisted from NASDAQ in October and shifted to over-the-counter trading. Additional private funding was secured during this period.

Leadership changes followed with Frank Wilde replacing Doug Michels as CEO on December 11, 2003; John Greeley took over as CFO in January 2004. February brought significant executive restructuring alongside a capital injection of $16 million. The acquisition of Caststream, Inc., a collaboration software firm led by executives aligned with Wilde’s vision, occurred in March. By April, financial reporting compliance was restored and efforts to regain stock exchange listing were underway.

On May 10, 2004, the company refreshed its product names: Tarantella Enterprise 3 became Secure Global Desktop Enterprise Edition while Canaveral iQ was renamed Secure Global Desktop Terminal Services Edition.

Sun Microsystems announced its intention to purchase Tarantella on May 10, 2005 for $25 million cash subject to regulatory approvals. The acquisition was finalized on July 13, 2005 with plans for full integration within three months.

That same month, Sun licensed the Windows Terminal Server-based Tarantella product SGD-TSE (previously Canaveral iQ) to UK firm ProPalms. ProPalms rebranded it as ProPalms TSE and launched version 5.0 as a cost-effective alternative to Citrix Metaframe. They also assumed all customer support responsibilities and incorporated Tarantella’s TSE development team into their operations.

By July 2006, Tarantella had vacated its Santa Cruz premises; this location is now occupied by Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School.

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