Industry and financial analysts attending Sun’s Analyst Summit in San Francisco were invited to kick off the festivities by getting a “sneak peek” the Menlo Park Sun Solution Center set to open in March.

This sixth U.S. center showcases the latest and greatest in Sun technology and a brand-spanking-new data center. We mean, new – nary a chipped floor tile, Ding Dong wrapper, or stray cable in sight.

As always, we cynics at GCG glower amidst all the sparkle and glamour and ask, “What’s the business justification?” Well… it’s solid! Sun execs report an 80% closure rate with customers who avail themselves of the Sun Solution Center to determine which system or solution is best for them. This model is touted as a way for customers to “test before they invest” by working with engineers and subject matter experts on their real-world workloads. On-site engagements can last anywhere from two hours to several months, depending upon the scale of the project.

And best of all… plenty of hors d’oeuvres for the analysts.