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| | | November 9, 2003
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Sunday, November 9, 2003 |
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Microsoft puts up a wanted sign
Microsoft has started putting money on the heads of authors of viruses, worms and malicious programs, in an effort to clamp down on security threats battering the image of its operating system. Flanked by Interpol and U.S. Secret Service officials, Microsoft executives uncovered the Anti-Virus Reward Program, funded with $5 million from the software giant's money.
Redmond also announced two bounties of $250,000 each for information leading to the arrests of the writers of the MSBlast and SoBig viruses, which wreaked havoc this summer in computer networks across the world. The rewards are open to residents of all countries who report to Interpol, the Internet Fraud Complaint Center, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation or to the U.S. Secret Service.
Still, the government-backed initiative drew mixed reactions. Known virus writers and some security experts dubbed the move a publicity stunt, which will not affect the trends in the industry. Major security firms, however, applauded the move saying hackers and virus authors will now think twice before releasing malicious code.
More from: CNET News.com 1 2 | Computerworld 1 2 | The Register | Reuters | TechNewsWorld |
The Washington Post
Novell stirs Linux world with IBM-backed SuSE acquisition
In a surprise announcement that shocked the computing industry, software maker Novell unveiled on Tuesday plans to acquire No. 2 Linux seller, Germany-based SuSE Linux. In addition, IBM announced it will make a $50-million investment in SuSE, bringing vital financial resources for the development of enterprise-class Linux distributions.
Novell, which expects to close the deal in January next year, will pay $210 million in cash. The move comes as the company tries to reposition itself as a major Linux player, abandoning its own long-standing server operating system NetWare. The acquisition of SuSE will significantly strengthen Novell's Linux role, adding to the August buyout of desktop Linux software maker Ximian. Novell will also directly challenge Red Hat's spot as the top Linux seller in the world, and especially in North America.
Analysts are also looking into the ramifications of the deal on the ongoing multibillion litigation of The SCO Group against IBM. SCO formerly partnered with SuSE in the UnitedLinux alliance, while now IBM-backed Novell retains some copyrights after the transfer of UNIX intellectual property to Utah-based SCO.
More from: CNET News.com 1 2 | Computerworld | CRN | eWeek 1 2 | InformationWeek | InternetNews.com | LinuxWorld | The Register | SearchEnterpriseLinux.com 1 2 | VNUNET.com | ZDNet
Apple, Napster clash
Reborn Roxio-owned Napster struck a deal with Pennsylvania State University to offer thousands of students access to its music service. Penn State announced starting this spring semester students and faculty will be provided with Napster's unlimited music streaming plan as part of their technology fee. Those wanting to burn songs on CDs or transfer them to portable digital music players will be separately charged 99¢ per song.
Two days later, Apple Computer blasted Napster's success with an official press releases, claiming the company outsold Roxio's music service five-to-one in its first week. The dominant player in the market with its iTunes Music Store claims it sold 1.5 million songs when it debuted, compared to Napster's mere 300,000.
More from: CNET News.com 1 2 | InternetNews.com | The Mercury News 1 2 | The Motley Fool | Reuters 1 2 3
In Other News...
 Lycos filed a complaint against Overture Services, charging violations of a commercial search contract. Lycos claims Overture breached its obligations when it transferred confidential Lycos information to its new owner and Lycos rival, Yahoo!
Consumer-electronics giant Sony said it will launch a portable digital music player next year that will be priced at about $60. Sony executives confirmed their primary target is Apple's iPod which currently sells from $200 to $400, depending on the model.
Viacom announced it is planning to launch an online music service early next year under the hugely popular MTV brand, in a hope to take a bit from the success of Apple's iTunes Music Store.
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