Open-source mobile server adds push email to challenge BlackBerry et al

The makers of an open-source implementation of push email are hoping to leap-frog the patent-embroiled likes of RIM, Good Technology and Microsoft with this latest version of its product. Version 3 of Funambol's eponymous mobile application server product can now boast push email capabilities, putting it up against the likes of RIM, Good Technology and Microsoft. The application server uses the standards-compliant SyncML at the heart of its synchronisation technologies. ...more

Support for software patents faltering in Europe

The Netherlands has withdrawn support for a controversial draft that would legalise software patents in Europe. The Foundation for a Free Information Infrastructure (FFII) reports that the Dutch Parliament has ordered Minister Brinkhorst and Secretary of State van Gennip (Economic Affairs) to withdraw the Dutch vote in support of the Council of Ministers' controversial text for the Directive on Software Patents. The FFII says this is the first time in the history of the EU that this has happened. ...more

Profitability stays out of reach for AMD

A growth in sales and reduced costs have not proved enough to get AMD back in the black, according to its latest quarterly financial report. The company reported a net loss of $140mn for the three months ending 29 June, 2003. This is slightly less than the net loss of $146mn in the previous three months and an improvement on the $185mn reported from the same period a year ago. ...more

Novell's SUSE acquisition marks 'turning point' in Linux uptake

Forrester Research has published new research on the implications of Novell's purchase of SUSE, concluding that 'when the high-tech history of this decade is written, this acquisition will mark a turning point in Linux adoption'. The analysis follows Forrester researchers sitting down with the top men from Novell and IBM (which made a $50mn buy of Novell convertible shares at the time) who would undoubtedly have offered a rosy picture. Nonetheless, Forrester concludes the acquisition will prove vital for Novell in its strategy to migrate its current NetWare customer base to Linux, losing as few to Microsoft as possible. ...more

Linux marches on in corporate world, in spite of SCO

A recent survey by Credit Suisse First Boston of 100 CIOs has shown that Linux is reaching beyond low-level server adoption and into mission-critical areas, with four out of five not adjusting Linux plans in the light of the litigious SCO. The survey revealed that Linux is being taken ever more seriously: 73 per cent of those polled said they were considering using the Linux platform. And SCO seems to have cast barely a shadow on their plans: 84 per cent said they had not changed their Linux strategy, despite SCO wanting to charge a steep $699 a chip licence. ...more