Microsoft Preps New Windows Update
Testers are reporting that Microsoft is blazing down the path toward a release candidate for Windows Update 5.0. The new Windows Update will coincide with the launch of Windows XP Service Pack 2, and is a piece of a larger company-wide effort to improve the patching process.
Late last year, Microsoft indicated that version 5.0 of the service would enable upgrades for a broader range of products in the company's portfolio. Current plans call for Windows Update support to extend to Office, SQL Server and Exchange.
Microsoft Reloads Windows XP
Microsoft is busy laying the groundwork for an interim release of Windows XP which would arrive before the Longhorn wave hits store shelves. Known internally as XP 'Reloaded', the interim release is expected to include the functionality of the upcoming Service Pack 2 revision, as well as some extras exclusive to the upgrade.
When asked for comment, a company spokesperson told BetaNews, "Microsoft is examining ways to continue to add value to the current Windows XP platform. We look forward to outlining all the details, but at this time we don't have anything to announce."
WASC Tackles Web Application Security
The incessant flow of high-profile security lapses has left industry and government officials clamoring for a solution. To answer this call, a group of top Web application security experts have banded together to found the Web Application Security Consortium (WASC). WASC urges developers to 'think' security by evangelizing the establishment and promotion of new industry-wide standards.
The consortium, announced during this week's RSA conference, was established by Application Security Inc., KaVaDo Inc., Sanctum Inc., SPI Dynamics Inc., and WhiteHat Security Inc. WASC joins the ranks of existing industry groups including the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) and OASIS Web Application Security Technical Committee.
AOL Cans ICQ Worm
Within the past 24 hours, America Online moved to block a worm that has targeted versions of its ICQ Pro instant messaging software.
The worm, known as W32.Bizex, spreads itself by messaging every contact on an infected user’s contact list, then opens up an Internet Explorer browser window displaying a link to the Web site Jokeworld.biz. The rogue Web site hosts the worm’s payload, and users become infected if they click on the link.
'Security Center' Planned for Windows XP SP2
Microsoft has packed more of a punch into Windows XP Service Pack 2. Details have emerged indicating that a new "Security Center" will be incorporated into the update to further secure the three year old operating system.
Contrary to some reports, Security Center is not the PC Satisfaction code that Microsoft tested several months ago. Instead, Microsoft drew upon the feedback gained during the trial to introduce a new user interface concept.
Speech Server 2004 Set for March Launch
Microsoft has confirmed a March 24 launch date for the Standard and Enterprise editions of Speech Server 2004.
Combined with the Speech Server and Speech Application Development Kit (SASDK), Speech Server 2004 has crystallized Redmond's effort to establish a comprehensive speech platform for developing, deploying, testing and managing Web-based speech-enabled telephony and multimodal applications.
Microsoft Readies InfoPath Overhaul for SP1
The first service pack for Office 2003 will transcend the usual hodgepodge of bug fixes and security updates - customers can expect to receive significant new functionality added to InfoPath.
Many of the capabilities partners and customers have wanted from InfoPath fell outside of the key scenarios Microsoft sought to deliver in the software's first revision. As a result, Redmond is busy readying enhancements that will extend InfoPath's efficacy.
Sun Preps Solaris 10 With 'Predictive' Self Healing
Sun Microsystems has fleshed out an updated release of its Solaris operating system. After deciding upon the structure and nuances that would make up Solaris 10, Sun homed in on supplying its customers with superior value, stability, security, and performance.
To meet its self-imposed checklist, the Solaris product team turned to its technology tool chest which includes: N1 grid containers, a new "predictive" self healing framework, process rights management derived from Trusted Solaris, and a new bottleneck hunting technology dubbed dynamic trace.
Yahoo! Drops Google, Launches New Search Engine
Yahoo! has ended its marriage of convenience with Google and has begun to field test its own search engine technology in regional markets. The rollout of Yahoo's new engine, built on top of technology acquired from Inktomi, marks an unofficial end to its partnership with Google, which dates back to October 2002.
The company's agreement with Google is not set to expire until the end of this year, but contains no clause to make Yahoo!'s use of Google's unique technology exclusive. To gauge customer response, Yahoo! has fragmented its use of search engines; Google technology remains in some markets, but the United States has already migrated over to Yahoo! Search.
Microsoft Nixes 'Jupiter' Plans
As NASA begins its exploration of Mars, Microsoft has fallen short of Jupiter.
Jupiter -- Microsoft's vision to unify and extend e-business server technologies, as well as connect people, data and business processes -- will not be delivered as promised. Instead, Redmond will focus on shipping out BizTalk Server 2004, now in beta testing, which it feels meets the mantle of Jupiter.
File Swappers Warned to Avoid Windows Source Code
Peer-to-peer (P2P) file swappers have fallen under the radar of Microsoft. A statement released on the company's Web site indicates the race is on between Redmond and hackers who are illegally distributing its intellectual property.
Ever since some of the source code for Windows NT 4 and Windows 2000 Service Pack 1 hit the Web, a frenzy of downloading has ensued to snatch up Microsoft's crown jewels.
Vulcan Demos FlipStart 'MiniPC' Running Windows XP
Paul Allen is back in the entrepreneurial spirit. Allen's Vulcan Inc. is demonstrating its new FlipStart "MiniPC" at DEMO 2004 in Seattle, claiming the portable is the world's smallest form factor Windows XP PC.
FlipStart runs full versions of XP Home or Professional, but is engineered to exploit the nascent benefits that the size and flexibility of PDAs have presented to the mobile market.
PalmSource Introduces Cobalt, Garnet OS Updates
PalmSource has introduced two new operating systems: Palm OS Cobalt and Palm OS Garnet.
Cobalt, formerly known as Palm OS 6, is a rewritten version of Palm's software intended to inspire an entire new generation of smart devices throughout emerging markets. Garnet, the more conventional release, is an enhanced version of Palm OS 5 focused primarily on powering handhelds and smart phones.
Microsoft Pulls Plug on Mythica MMORPG
After reevaluating its business strategy, Microsoft has quietly pulled the plug on Mythica, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), which was due out later this year.
A statement posted on the game's Web site indictates that Microsoft is scaling back its efforts to invest in the MMORPG landscape.
IBM Brings 90-Nanometer Bump to PowerPC
Big Blue has shifted its chip manufacturing to a 90-nanometer process by leveraging multiple unique innovations its researchers have developed over the past several years. The 64-bit PowerPC 970FX will be the first IBM microprocessor to be manufactured under the new process.
A 2.5GHz PowerPC processor is expected to debut next week, compared to current 2GHz chips produced on a 130-nanometer process.
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