Poland pulls the plug on European software patent law

Backing for software patents in the EU has collapsed following the Polish Government's announcement that it cannot support the current draft directive. he decision means that the draft has lost a majority in favour, and now falls short by 16 votes. The Polish cabinet decided that it could not support the directive drawn up by the EU Council of Ministers as it did not rule out the possibility of patenting software or business methods. ...more

BT cuts prices to drive SDSL take-up

BT is to halve the connection charge for SDSL broadband services for a limited period. Between 21 October 2004 and 24 February 2005 the activation fee will be cut from ?450 to ?225. The announcement follows the doubling of the number of exchanges that can provide synchronous services, bringing the total to 300. ...more

Intel announces new China 300mm wafer fab

Intel is strengthening its ties with China with the announcement of a new 300mm wafer fab in the city of Dalian, in the north-east province of Liaoning. While Intel has a number of such chip factories around the world - in Israel and Ireland, as well as the US - this is its first in Asia. In what is described as a $2. ...more

Intel brings tri-mode wireless networking to Centrino

Intel has confirmed extended support for wireless networking in its Centrino platform for notebook PCs. A new tri-mode wireless module will support the IEEE 802.11a, b and g standards. ...more

BT Openworld launches new business ADSL offers

BT Openworld is offering free activation and a free router for new business ADSL customers. The offer applies to its Business Plus 500, 1000 and 2000 and Broadband Share 500 product, giving savings of up to ?199 per service. The wireless-enabled router includes a built-in firewall. ...more