Sun Microsystems has introduced a new line of inexpensive workstations aimed at blunting the spread of powerful Windows NT desktop computers in the high-profit technical market.

The new Unix models priced as low as $3,000 are part of the latest push by the company to preserve its lead in the $19 billion market for high-end PCs and workstations.

"This is really big. We think we can create an alternative to [computers running] NT," said Mr Ed Zander, president of Sun Microsystems Computer, Sun's largest division. "This expands our market; it does not just defend it."