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Microsoft has launched mobile versions of its MSN Internet portal in Europe, specifically designed for the small screens on handheld computers. Two mobile MSN portals in France and Germany went live on Wednesday and UK and Spanish versions of the portals are expected to launch in the coming weeks. MSN users can already access their Hotmail e-mail accounts through mobile devices and Microsoft says that within six months it will launch a mobile version of its Messenger instant messaging product.
International Business Machines (IBM) has developed a prototype of a portable computer that is the size of a small pad of paper, but has the computing power of a laptop computer. The company said it would unveil the device on 11 February. The tiny computer includes 128 megabytes of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a 10-gigabit hard drive and a microprocessor that runs at 800 megahertz. The computer is codenamed "MetaPad" and is 12.7 cm long, 7.6 cm wide and around 1.9 cm thick. Metapad comes with a separate, small flat screen that is around 15 cm tall. IBM says the prototype could come into production in the next few years, but currently the company has no specific plans for the unit.
Cisco Systems announced that an internal communication from a Cisco executive characterising Cisco's Q2 2002 financial results in positive terms was prematurely and inadvertently distributed to a large number of Cisco employees after close of market on 05 February. The communication also said that Cisco's booked orders, for products only, were USD3.9 billion versus an internal goal of USD3.75 billion for the quarter, but did not include specific information about revenues or earnings for the quarter. As a result of the error, Cisco admitted that its figures would come in better than expectations when announced on Wednesday evening. Following the release of the news, Cisco shares went higher in early trading in New York, but by 11am EST they had dropped slightly below their opening price of USD18.50.
Microsoft which recently announced that it had made software security its top priority, announced this week that its messaging program leaves e-mail addresses and nicknames open to on-line would-be attackers. Users can download a patch expected to be available soon or for the time being they can turn off a scripting feature in the software to prevent the disclosure. The gap allows a Web site operator to capture information from visitors who are using Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser in conjunction with the company's instant messaging software exposing buddy names and in some cases e-mail addresses of the user and other users on the buddy list.
Mary Harney, T.D., Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said on Wednesday that the Seanad had begun the second stage of the Competition Bill 2001. The purpose of this bill is to provide a modern legislative framework for the promotion of competition in Ireland. It will replace Ireland's existing enactments relating to competition and mergers and put in place a new framework introducing new features.
Fineos announced it is to supply Fortis with its multi-channel intake and claims management system, Fineos Disability. Fineos will provide financial services company, Fortis with a 500-seat allocation for the Fineos disability solution.
RealNetworks announced on Wednesday that Real Broadcast Network, the content delivery network division of RealNetworks, has released an Internet broadcasting solution for conference producers, corporate event planners and associations.
Fujitsu Limited announced a major new initiative to enhance its IT infrastructure services and consulting and applications capability in Europe and North America through the creation of two new companies under the unified Fujitsu brand. The new entities, Fujitsu Services and Fujitsu Consulting, will operate from April 2002 and are being built through the closer integration and realignment of ICL, DMR Consulting and other Fujitsu subsidiaries.
Business DSL subscriptions in Europe will be worth a projected EUR8.7 billion by 2006, compared with EUR8.1 billion for residential ADSL services, according to the new Yankee Group report entitled "Incumbents Will Control Booming Business DSL Market." While business subscribers will account for just 20 percent of the total customer base, average revenue per user for businesses will remain considerably higher than that for residential services, rising further as businesses migrate to higher bandwidths and packages with service-level guarantees.
Novatel Wireless, a provider of wireless data access solutions, has settled its lawsuit with Sanmina-SCI Corporation and Sanmina Canada ULC. Among the terms of the settlement, Novatel Wireless issued 5 million shares of its common stock to Sanmina.
Hotel group, Le Meridien, which includes Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel, is to implement a new CRM (customer relationship management) solution from on-line CRM provider, Salesforce.com. An important function of the new CRM solution will be to support the management of business from region to region.
Compaq Computer announced the immediate availability of the new Evo D500 Ultra-slim Desktop (USDT) in Ireland. This is the company's first desktop PC to provide wireless connectivity through its MultiPort technology. The Evo D500 USDT also incorporates Compaq's MultiBay technology, allowing 'hot swapping' between a floppy disk, CD-ROM, CD-RW or DVD.
Global Crossing launched its digital video transport services offering on Wednesday. These services provide broadband connectivity to support the transport and delivery of video, audio and digital media content over the company's global Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network. The services use a multi-tiered, fully redundant platform that supports network-based transmission of multimedia broadcasts and live events, with television-quality video and CD-quality sound.
Openet Telecom and ICL, now part of Fujitsu Services, have signed a global alliance agreement. Under this joint business initiative, Openet becomes a preferred ICL partner. ICL will sell and integrate solutions based on FusionWorks, Openet's convergent mediation system. The companies are already working on their first joint client, a pan-European business carrier offering traditional and next-generation IP services.
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