Sun bolsters x86 server line with AMD Opterons

Sun has expanded its Solaris x86 range with more AMD Opteron-based servers and workstations. New announcements include the Sun Fire V40z Server, Sun Java Workstation W1100z and Sun Java Workstation W2100z, which are now officially available. 'With Sun offering unparalleled leadership on operating systems, high-performance hardware and the Sun Java System software, including the Java Enterprise System and the Java Desktop System, I'm confident our newest systems based on the AMD Opteron processor will leave our competitors in the dark,' boasted John Fowler, executive VP of Sun's Network Systems Group. ...more

UK government stands up to spam

The DTI has unveiled proposals to ensure the public has effective methods of blocking unsolicited emails and SMS messages. The proposals are the UK's implementation of the European Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communication and if adopted would require that users explicitly opt in to receiving commercial emails from businesses. They also require that the use of cookies from Web sites are clearly explained both in terms of purpose and how to refuse them. ...more

Amazon shows efficiency, but not a profit

Reporting lower than expected losses, Amazon has again forecast a move into profitability, citing a 22 per cent increase in sales as evidence. The online store, which now sells books, CDs, videos, software, gifts and games in the UK, published encouraging first quarter results. Losses decreased from $308m to $234m from this time last year and Amazon is hoping to make a profit for the first time in the fourth quarter. ...more

Radeon 9600/9600 Pro series in tight supply

The first 0.13-micron Radeon 9600/9600 Pro series graphics chips from ATI Technologies, featuring the RV350 core, may be in tight supply until August, due to a low yield rate at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), ATI's add-in-board (AIB) clients said. ATI declined to comment on the news, and TSMC's media contacts could not be reached by phone. ...more

VIA brands new chip line

VIA Technologies has unveiled the official brand names of the new family of x86 compatible processors based around its forthcoming `Esther` core. To no-one's real surprise, the names turn out to be the C7 series. Based on the C5J Esther core, the VIA C7 processor will target low power desktop PCs and consumer electronics items such as video recorders whilst the VIA C7-M processor will aim for the notebook and Tablet PCs. ...more