10/01/2006

October 2006 - That's Close Enough!

Keeping a safe distance from Microsoft. Plus: the end of Go-To-Markets; how to make your brand work with Microsoft's; negotiation; Commerce Server 2007; more.


News

Microsoft Office Live Service Debuts Nov. 15

Online small biz software service will launch simultaneously in France, Germany, Japan and UK.


Google Exec Meets With EU on Microsoft

Company wants Vista to include variety of search engines, but refuses to call Microsoft to the carpet officially.


Microsoft Toughens Anti-Piracy Actions

Pirates selling illegal software in online auctions such as eBay taken to court worldwide.


Microsoft's 11 Percent in Q1 Exceeds Expectations

Company attributes rise in earnings on strong server sales, cost-cutting.


Diebold Quietly Repaired Vote Machines

Company quietly fixes screen freezing component flaw in several thousand machines used in Maryland.


BT Buys Security Specialist Counterpane

Counterpane co-founded by cryptologist Bruce Schneier


'DVD Jon' Targets iPod, iTunes Restrictions

Hacker who cracked DVD copy-protection technology now claims to have done the same with iPods, iTunes.


Fraud Scheme Costs Ameritrade, E-Trade $22 Million

Hacking into client accounts being investigated by FBI; other brokerage houses also affected.


Microsoft, PC Makers Offer Vista Coupons

Microsoft to allow OEMs to offer Vista upgrade for Vista-enabled PCs bought with most recent Windows OS installed.


Amazon.com Won't Provide Search Details

Google and others say they want search info to help combat copyright infringement, but are denied by the online retailer due to "trade secrets" concerns.


Mozilla Releases New Version of Firefox

Newest version of IE challenger improves on search and spyware catching.


Google Unveils Tools for Search Engines

In return for allowing Google to display site-related ad links, site can now customize Google searches.


Gov't Issues Recall for Sony Batteries

Recall, affecting wider swath of laptops, becomes official for U.S. consumers.


Microsoft Adds New Certification for Project Managers

New track features two TS-level exams, one Professional level exam, all aimed squarely at Microsoft Office Project 2007 implementers.


Like Windows Vista, Exam Almost Here (But Not Quite)

Preliminary information on new Windows Vista exam numbered 70-620 appears on Pearson Vue testing site this week.


Judge Won't Suspend Anti-Spam Group Name

e360 Insight's request to have Spamhaus domain name suspended rejected by U.S. judge.


Anti-Spam Group Appeals U.S. Judgment

Anti-spam group facing possible loss of domain name plans to appeal $12M judgment.


Microsoft Drops License for Virtualization Software

Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday software developers would no longer need to pay or license technology it provides to help one computer run multiple operating systems at the same time.


EU Calls for RFID Privacy Enhancements

Ubiquitous RFID chips can reveal lots of private info, so EU may regulate their manufacture if vendors don't step up with their own efforts.


Lenovo Adds Fingerprint Security to ThinkPads

ThinkPad notebooks will now allow users to encrypt their hard drives at the press of a finger.


Microsoft Working With Security Vendors

Symantec, McAfee and other security vendors to gain access to information needed to make their products work with Vista's security features.


Vista, Better Than the Older Windows

Microsoft marketing Vista as a cost savings to businesses in energy consumption, reduced management headache.


Microsoft: Windows Vista Is on Schedule

Company says changes to OS will also be made to accommodate EU, Korea.


Beta Dates Set for Windows Mobile Exams

Long beta testing phases planned for exams aimed at Windows Mobile application developers.


EU Rejects Spam Maker's Trademark Bid

Hormel Foods loses bid to trademark the word known more commonly through frequent usage as "unsolicited e-mails."


Microsoft Encounters Problems Pushing Out Oct. Patches

Microsoft released 10 patches, but many organizations didn't get the patches until hours after they were released due to a glitch in Redmond's automatic distribution system.


Google Launches Online Apps

New word processing and spreadsheet programs available for free mark the Internet search leader's latest effort to provide alternatives to Microsoft applications.


Investigators in HP Scandal Plead Not Guilty

Three private investigators in Hewlett-Packard Co.'s boardroom spying probe pleaded not guilty to identity theft and other felony charges.


India Outsourcing: Source of Easy Data Breaches?

TV sting operation raises concern among India's outsourcing companies.


Office 2007, Vista Get Island BirthPlace

Microsoft opens plant in Puerto Rico to make Office 2007, Windows Vista programs.


Windows Hosted Exam Beta Coming Soon

Microsoft to offer beta test for exam aimed at candidates who work with Windows Server 2003 in a hosted scenario.


Microsoft Taking Innovative Approach to Vista Piracy

Unlicensed copies will run temporarily, slowly restricting access to features over time as copies continue to be used without registration.


Microsoft Makes EU Fine Appeal Official

Microsoft lodges formal appeal against $357 million EU antitrust fine.


Tech Skills Need Means More Vocational Classes at High School Level

Vocational education classes may be poised for comeback in U.S. high schools.


Chip Demand Spurs Sales Record

Semiconductor sales set record at $20.5 billion in August, industry group says.


Sun, Sand, Surf and Salt Air

RCP readers would rather head to the beach, says one survey.


CA Seeks to Support Trusted Advisors with Portal

CA Inc. is building a network of partners who can take advantage.


After the Storm

While still recovering from last year's disaster, Gulf Coast partners redouble their efforts to help their hometowns.


Teen MCSE, Medical Microchip Pioneer, Succumbs

Derek Jacobs, among youngest in nation to achieve MCSE status when he was 12, killed in motorcycle accident.


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