Google boosts literacy through Book Search project

The spread of Google continues a-pace: the latest initiative from Mountain View is The Literacy Project. Described as a resource for teachers, literacy organisations and 'anyone interested in reading and education', Google has launched a literacy-related initiative. It is partly based on its existing Book Search service as well as its traditional search strengths. ...more

Join the Serial Attached SCSI roadshow

On 15 September, Fujitsu Europe will be partnering with LSI Logic to promote the use of Serial Attached SCSI. Joe Lever from LSI will reveal how to take advantage of converging serial technologies by using SATA II 3Gbit/sec and SAS to improve server flexibility, performance, reliability and scalability. Also, Andrew Batty from Fujitsu Europe will be discussing enterprise-level serial drive technology. ...more

Xbox is $1 billion risk

Microsoft's Xbox games console could cost the company $1 billion before it begins to break even, according to a Morgan Stanley analyst. Analyst Mary Meeker said that as long as the Xbox is 'reasonably successful' then Microsoft can expect to break even in 2004. Xbox launches in the US on 15 November for the same price as Sony's established PlayStation 2, but at $100 more than Nintendo's GameCube, so there is no guarantee that it will be 'reasonably successful'. ...more

Charging for email only way to stop spam says report

Charging for email is the only way to stop spam, according to a new report by Forrester Research. The report claims that current anti-spam measures such as filtering and new legislation cannot work and that charging would not only put hard-core spammers out of business, but also save money for legitimate organisations. Forrester predicted in January this year that spam filtering, either by ISPs or at a recipient's address, would in fact increase the volume of spam. ...more

Jobs slams 'greedy' music bosses

Steve Jobs has slammed record industry bosses for trying to raise music downloads prices. The Apple CEO said any rise would turn users back towards unauthorised file sharing networks. 'If they want to raise the prices, it means that they are getting greedy,' he said. ...more