Ann Bednarz

While many virtual computing visions promise pay as you go utility-like pricing, some companies are already realizing metered rates in outsourcing deals that tie service fees to business performance.

After a flurry of comments from customers saying it was hard to find products on Staples Inc.'s Web site, the office supplies retailer decided its homegrown search engine needed to go. In its place Staples implemented self-service search and navigation software from iPhrase Technologies Inc.

Instance consolidation is popular among Oracle Corp. customers for a few reasons, says Bill Swanton, vice president at AMR Research Inc. For one, users tended to roll out Oracle software in a fragmented way

Identity management and service authorization remain two of the biggest hurdles in shifting from a traditional application security model to what's needed for securing XML-based Web services, according to an IT executive at American-Express Co.

A handful of technology vendors, including IBM Corp., are participating in a series of demonstrations aimed at stocking government agencies more quickly with the tools they need to combat threats to U.S. security.

Delta Dental Plan of Massachusetts decided to overhaul its Web site for two reasons: to reduce call centre volumes and improve customer service.

PeopleSoft Inc. Friday announced an upgraded version of its portal software that is aimed at making it easier for companies to collaborate not only internally but also with external suppliers, partners and customers.

DataPower Technology Inc. this week released an upgraded version of its XML appliance, aimed at helping companies reduce network bottlenecks associated with securing and transporting XML documents.