PKI keeps mobiles on the move

Sonera SmartTrust has unveiled a platform that will allow mobile users to top up their mobile accounts without having to buy another SIM card or give out their credit card details each time. The platform uses PKI technology that allows users to top up their accounts via their handsets, using a private key on their SIM card. The key is activated using a PIN number that identifies the user and the transaction completes. ...more

Online stores may be forced from Jersey tax haven

Websites that sell CDs and DVDs from Jersey in order to avoid VAT may be forced to leave the tax haven under a change of policy by the Channel Island's government. The tax free status enables online stores - including Amazon, Asda, Boots, Tesco and Woolworth's - to undercut prices on the mainland, which is estimated to cost the UK government around ?80m, rising to ?200m over the next two years. CDs sell for as little as ?8 while DVDs can be picked up for about ?12. ...more

Microsoft and AMD back FlexGo computing

Microsoft and AMD are backing a pay-as-you-go computing initiative for developing countries, such as India and China, a.k.a 'high growth markets'. ...more

Brother meets Mac Rendezvous

Brother has announced the first printer with support for Apple's Rendezvous technology. Rendezvous enables network devices, such as printers and Macs, to automatically broadcast and discover what services each is offering for the use of others. As a result, Rendezvous-enabled devices no longer have to be configured by the user or system administrator before they can be recognised and used on a network. ...more

Government asks construction workers to build in Net access

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has announced a broadband consultation to discuss the possibility of making Net access integral to building work. With the Government's goal of making the UK the best place for e-commerce by 2005, it is asking the construction and broadband industries whether the take up of broadband would be accelerated by ensuring new and altered homes have the necessary cabling ducts built-in. The discussions will range from the practicalities of installing cable ducting to facilitate easy broadband installation, to whether Building Regulations should be toughened up to make sure this happens. ...more