News


Brown to Develop Handwriting Software

Microsoft Research puts $1.2 milion into project to develop software that can interpret signatures as well as produce 3-D drawings based on sketches.

Watchdog Group Names Alleged Spyware Violators

A corporate-backed watchdog group that monitors software for deceptive and abusive practices on Wednesday named a widely used file-sharing program and three other applications as violators of its guidelines.

AT&T Dismisses Internet Access Concerns

Ed Whitacre, the chief executive of AT&T Inc., dismissed criticism that its planned merger with BellSouth Corp. will form a near-monopoly for Internet access and give it the clout to dictate terms to Web sites if they want to remain reachable.

Shock and Awe at Cisco's Channel Partner Summit

At its Partner Summit last week in San Diego, Cisco Systems Inc. announced a major restructuring of its Channel Partner Program.

Microsoft To Deliver Internet TV Services in Germany

Deutsche Telekom AG said Tuesday it has formed an alliance with Microsoft Corp. to offer Internet television services to subscribers in Germany this year.

Ruling Sheds Light on Amazon.com's Secrecy

When a New Jersey judge ruled that Amazon.com Inc. breached a groundbreaking contract with Toys R Us Inc., she delivered with the legal blow a public scolding, calling company executives obstinate, arrogant and even childish.

Mash-Up Tools, Updated IE Beta Bow at Mix06

Microsoft released a refreshed Beta 2 preview of Internet Explorer 7 along with key beta development tools at Mix06, the company’s first-ever Web site developer and designer conclave kicked off in Las Vegas on Monday.

Microsoft Delays Consumer Release of Windows Vista

The Redmond giant missing delivery by the holiday shopping season may benefit other parts of the consumer electronics industry, say analysts.

Contractors Suspected of Overcharging for FBI Computer Project

Two companies that will share in a new FBI computer contract were singled out in a government audit Monday that questioned $17 million in the agency's computer overhaul.

Adware Pioneer Moving On

A pioneer of software that delivers pop-up ads based on Web sites that Internet users browse said Tuesday it will exit that business by June following persistent criticism from online publishers, consumer groups and privacy advocates.

Microsoft To Delay Consumer Release of Vista to 2007

Microsoft Corp. will delay the consumer release of its new Windows operating system until January 2007, missing the holiday sales season and throwing some PC makers and retailers into turmoil.

Dell To Double Staff in India to 20,000 in Three Years

Dell Inc. plans to double the number of its employees in India to 20,000 in three years, Chairman Michael Dell said Monday, in what appeared to be moves by the world's largest personal computer maker to beef up its presence in one of the world's fastest growing markets.

New Tools for Driving Partner Profits

A conversation with Microsoft VP Allison Watson.

Anatomy of the Deal

This is the first in an occasional series offering an inside look at prominent deals in the Microsoft partner community.

Google Avoids Surrendering Search Requests

A federal judge on Friday ordered Google Inc. to give the Bush administration a peek inside its search engine, but rebuffed the government's demand for a list of people's search requests -- potentially sensitive information that the company had fought to protect.

Site Files Suit Against Google for Blacklisting

Google Inc.'s mysterious methods for ranking Web sites came under attack Friday in a lawsuit accusing the online search engine leader of ruining scores of Internet businesses that have been wrongfully banished from its index.

JPEG Patent Owner Uses 'Trolling' as Business Model

While most technology companies make money by developing software, building hardware or providing services, Forgent Networks Inc. has taken a different route: It produces threats and lawsuits that try to cash in on ideas.

Hackers Get Windows XP onto Apple Computers

As expected, hackers have found a way to run Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP operating system on new Macintosh computers, winning an ad hoc contest and a $13,854 cash prize to boot.

Hackers Get Windows XP Onto Apple Computers

With Intel-based Mac machines now widely available, hackers find a way to get it done. One site even offers contest with prize money.

IT Weekly Roundup, March 17

From the business wires this week: an Exchange search tool, Windows backup products, and SQL Server monitoring and managing tools.