BT launches SDSL availability checker

BT has set-up an availability checker for its new SDSL broadband services. SDSL services were launched this week, and are currently available through 100 exchanges, rising to 150 by January 2004. The availability checker is accompanied by some brief notes outlining several basic conditions of the service. ...more

Online stores failing customers

Online stores do not measure up when it comes to service according to a new report. Customer service software supplier Transversal says that in a roundup of 100 leading e-tailers, it found that 69 per cent answered less than four of the ten most often asked customer inquiries such as refund policies, tariffs and product details. Only 16 per cent of those surveyed answered more than six questions. ...more

New iMac uncovered

Time magazine's Canadian Web site has leaked pictures and details of Apple's new flat panel iMac, according to the Web site MacMinute. MacMinute reports that the iMac will feature, 'a G4 processor housed in a hemisphere base with a chrome arm that extends and holds the 15-inch flat panel display,' and that the high-end model - selling for $1800 - will include a SuperDrive. The report also includes details of the rumoured iPhoto software. ...more

Microsoft previews security-hardened XP Service Pack 2 with new release candidate

Microsoft has unexpectedly released the new Release Candidate 2 of its Windows XP Service Pack 2. At present, RC2 is only available to those registered with Microsoft's Windows beta programme. However, it is expected that RC2 will be opened up to a wider range of testers in the near future. ...more

IBM blades get first taste of 10Gb Ethernet networking

10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE) connectivity has arrived for blade servers, courtesy of BLADE Network Technologies and NetXen. The companies, which claim it as an industry first, worked through Blade.org to provide the technology for IBM BladeCenter systems. ...more