Microsoft's Virtual Earth 3D gets boost with Caligari acquisition
Oracle tries a 'vaulted' approach to its e-business database security
In an effort to step up its approach to "unbreakable" databases, Oracle today announced its Database Vault technology can now be used in conjunction with its E-Business Suite.
Oracle previously launched the Database Vault software suite in April 2006, hoping to limit insider security threats and other issues that may arise during typical database operations. Using time of day, PC and database IP addresses, and authentication, Database Vault is able to pick and choose what rights the database administrator has while not interfering with the system administrator's everyday tasks.
Google News to place greater focus on local content
The Mountain View, Calif. search company is debuting new functionality that will allow users to drill down to localized news.
While the inclusion of local news is something that has already existed news sites, the way Google plans to do it is unique. Instead of using actual people to separate the news, the site automates the process.
New Wii title from THQ seeks to mash up Guitar Hero
THQ has announced a new game for the Wii which turns the Mashup musical genre into armed combat.
Band Mashups for the Wii, expected in stores in April 2008, is based upon the combinative musical genre known as mashups. These are songs made up of two or more existent songs, usually of quite divergent syle, and mixed together to form a new hybrid song.
FCC shifts gears for 700 MHz auction
If the FCC's auction of former UHF bandwidth were to end here, it might raise over $19 billion. But with bidding activity slowing to a crawl, the Commission has one more tool in its arsenal to squeeze out some more value.
Sensing a lull in the action, the handlers for the 700 MHz auction by the US Federal Communications Commission have exercised their discretion, and have moved the auction into what the rules call "Stage Two." In this second -- and, according to the rules, final -- stage, anyone who wants to stay completely in the game must continue bidding no less than 95% of the time, to maintain its full eligibility in later rounds.
Motorola announces second gen WiMAX hardware
Today, Motorola announced two new 802.16e devices, one for fixed connectivity, and one that's somewhat more nomadic.
Motorola's recent announcement that it would be departing the mobile phone business drew attention to other strong offerings from the company, such as its WiMAX solutions. Today, the company announced two second generation 802.16e devices.
Will authorized hosting put MySQL on a par with Oracle and DB2?
Although real comparability to Oracle and IBM databases could still be some time away, MySQL's new authorized hosting program might help broaden out the niche for the open source database a lot more quickly.
MySQL AB started developing a new program for hosting partners in early 2007, about a year before Sun announced its $1 billion bid to acquire the open source database vendor, said Rich Nigro, MySQL's service provider business manager. Unveiled earlier this week, the new MySQL Authorized Hosting Partner Program gives managed hosting companies using the top-of-the-line Enterprise edition of the MySQL database an option for 24/7 database support directly from MySQL.
Modu looks to make cell phones 'modular'
Israeli startup Modu is looking to give consumers more freedom in what their cell phones can do by offering "jackets" that can make each phone unique.
For example, jackets through partner Universal Music Group would feature the label's various artists, including a "skin" for the phone as well as music functionality to turn the device into a music player.
Google introduces an Apps tool for sending forms via e-mail
This morning, Google unveiled an intriguing new collaboration feature that lets users embed forms in their e-mails. It involves the company's existing Spreadsheet platform, and it could be a new tool to expand its online apps' user base.
In its effort to gain a foothold in the collaboration space against competitors who would otherwise have locked down their claim to that feature, Google has launched a new feature for Google Apps enabling users to add information and modify information on a shared spreadsheet without having to pass its file back and forth.
Microsoft, Google, Yahoo gain seats on OpenID Foundation board
What Yahoo's massive conversion to OpenID last month lacked is a way for Web sites to securely authenticate the users who have signed in. As it turns out, OpenID's directing body may want Microsoft to provide that part.
Almost exactly one year ago, Microsoft made a bold announcement at an RSA security conference, saying it would be working with the OpenID Foundation to craft a solution to the problem of spoofing authentication. As was hidden from precisely no one, that method would involve Microsoft's CardSpace technology.
Nokia retools its E51 handset for secure workplaces
Google Apps gets improved document sharing
Fresh off its efforts to improve its e-mail offerings, the search company debuted Thursday a package aimed at helping businesses better share documents and information.
Called Google Apps Team Edition, the new option expands upon its already existing applications platform by allowing businesses to set up and manage work groups. The standard version, first launched in August 2006, lacked some of these collaborative features.
Best Buy to begin selling DTV boxes on February 17
The electronic retailer said it was ready for the digital television transition, stocking converter boxes that would be compatible with the US government's rebate program.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) offers $40 towards the purchase price of $59.99. It is only required for those who recieve over-the-air programming: those with cable of satellite service will not need the box.
Leaked Yahoo memo indicates reticence toward Microsoft bid
While Jerry Yang continues to advocate a bright and cheery attitude, there are clear indications that he's feeling trapped.
A Yahoo employees memo written yesterday by CEO Jerry Yang was leaked to the online industry publication Valleywag, and has apparently been verified by IDG through a check of the SEC database where such communications are also filed. The memo indicates that although Yang and his fellow executives have not yet reached a decision as to whether to accept Microsoft's takeover bid, his preference for now is to continue growing his company as though Microsoft had never said anything.
Middle East Internet outages now affect 85 million
With FLAG telecom now reporting damages to the FALCON undersea cable that actually occurred on January 23, one week before the four publicized cable cuts, experts are now beginning to reveal just how expansive the disruptions have been.
The severence of undersea cables FLAG Europe-Asia and SEA-ME-WE 4 about 8.3 km off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, affected at least 60 million users in India, 12 million in Pakistan, 6 million in Egypt, and 4.7 Million in Saudi Arabia, according to DU telecom Executive Director Mahesh Jaishanker, in a statement to the United Arab Emirates-based Khaleej Times.
Most Commented Stories
BetaNews, your source for breaking tech news, reviews, and in-depth reporting since 1998.
Regional iGaming Content
© 1998-2025 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. About Us - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy - Sitemap.