Type IIB superstring models with the standard model gauge group on D3-brane
s and with massless matter associated with open strings joining D3-branes t
o D3-branes or D3-branes to D7(3)-branes are studied. Models with gauge cou
pling constant unification at an intermediate scale between about 10(10) an
d 10(12) GeV and consistency with the observed value of sin(2) theta (W)(M-
Z) are obtained. Extra vector-like states and extra pairs of Higgs doublets
play a crucial role. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.