Sun Microsystems Inc.'s innovative 60-day try-and-buy program, which invited users to select and evaluate products and solutions ranging from servers and workstations to storage units and networking cards--including full product warranty and technical support--is set to expire on Friday, December 18.

The try-and-buy program, which the vendor initiated some three years ago, primarily was aimed at IT managers, developers and channel partners interesting in examining Sun's products or looking for additional demo units for their customers.

The vendor urged customers to apply online for the free equipment and to try it on for size for a 60-day period. Users could opt to purchase gear they wanted and return the remainder within the accepted window of time with no charge.

Sun said it will accept applications through this Friday.