Sun Microsystems is in the process of buying Star Division, maker of a software suite similar to Microsoft Office.

StarOffice, available as a free download over the Web for personal use, includes a word processor, spreadsheet, graphics editor, desktop database, presentation program, and calendar.

The Fremont, Calif.-based Star Division makes two versions of the software: one that runs on Linux, Solaris, Windows, OS2, and Mac OS, and a thin client version that runs on Java-enabled devices.

Sources familiar with the deal say an announcement is expected August 31, which will dovetail with Sun's rollout of its next-generation thin client, code-named Corona, expected September 8 at Sun's Enterprise Computing Forum.

The full story can be found at www.news.com.