Microsoft expands OneCare
Microsoft Corp. began the international rollout of its consumer security software on Jan. 30 when it released a new version of Windows Live OneCare in Canada and 16 other countries. OneCare — which incorporates antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall management, backup and tune-up functions — has been available in the U.S. since May 2006. Microsoft said the new version of the product will provide unified virus and spyware scanning, more flexible file backup options and support for the Windows Vista OS, which was also released to consumers Jan. 30.
McAfee upgrade jams up Notes
The latest upgrade to McAfee Inc.’s VirusScan Enterprise security software is causing hiccups for some versions of IBM Corp.’s Lotus Notes, the companies warned. The problem affects users who have upgraded to VirusScan Enterprise 8.5i and are using the R6 or R7 version of Lotus Notes, McAfee said. While working in Lotus Notes e-mail for a period of time, typically an hour or two, the program will display the following error message when users try to open or delete e-mail: “You are not authorized to perform that operation.” To avoid the problem, the companies recommended disabling two settings in McAfee’s software: “scan all server databases” and “scan server mailboxes.”
Majority prefer PC to spouse
Don’t say to the love of your life, “Either that computer goes or I do!” According to a new survey, you’ll be packing your bags. Sixty-five per cent of Americans polled said they spend more time with their home computer than their spouse or significant other, according to research by Kelton Research Inc. Those who have chosen the PC don’t seem to get much satisfaction from their partner. Of those answering, 84 per cent said they were more dependent on their home computer now than three years ago.
Portal aids identity coders
A new portal has been launched to help developers who are building applications using identity management technology. The Web site, openLiberty.org, will have tools and open source libraries that developers need for applications using federation and Web-services standards endorsed by the Liberty Alliance and its openLiberty Project. The project will give developers access, under an Apache version 2.0 license, to open source code libraries that can be imported into applications they are building, said Jason Rouault, vice-president of the Liberty Alliance management board and chief technology officer of identity management software at Hewlett-Packard Co.
EMC reports strong results
EMC Corp. reported record revenue for its fourth quarter last month, propelled by strong growth in its RSA security division and VMware subsidiary. EMC’s consolidated revenue was CDN$3.77 billion, 19 per cent higher than the same period in 2005, which came in at CDN$3.19 billion. Net income for the fourth quarter was CDN$459 million, or CDN$0.21 per diluted share, including two share tax benefits and a per-share restructuring charge. Without the gains and charges, net income came in at CDN$0.20 per share.
outsourcing to grow in india
Benefiting from a boom in offshore outsourcing, India’s software and services exports are expected to grow by 33 per cent to more than CDN$37 billion in the Indian fiscal year to March 31, according to data released in January by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom). India’s top outsourcing companies have all reported strong revenue and profit growth for the quarter ended Dec. 31, mainly on increased volumes of business. The country is on course to achieve CDN$71 billion in exports by 2010, Nasscom said. IT services, including software development, are expected to contribute CDN$21 billion to exports in the year to March 31, while business process outsourcing (BPO) and call centres are likely to contribute a further CDN$9.8 billion, according to Nasscom. Engineering services, research and development (R&D) services, and product development work are expected to contribute CDN$5.9 billion.
