Glass disk giant builds new factory as 1in drive demand skyrockets

The world's leading manufacturer of glass hard drives for computers and portable devices is to open a new plant in Vietnam to meet with growing demand. Japan's Hoya Corporation, which makes around 75 per cent of 2.5in glass disks for PC drives and 100 per cent of 1in disks for devices such as the iPod. ...more

Oracle searches for enterprise data

Database giant Oracle has launched its first enterprise search product in the form of Oracle Secure Enterprise Search 10g The product searches a range of enterprise data sources including databases, file systems, enterprise content management systems, portals, email systems and enterprise applications. It can be operated on a policy-based model so that searches initiated by a given user will only return results from areas to which that user has been granted access. 'Compliance regulations mandate that organizations maintain tight controls regarding who can access specific information,' said Robert Shimp, VP, technology marketing, Oracle. ...more

Outlook Live! hooks PIM functions to MSN Hotmail

Microsoft is taking Outlook online with a new service that allows Outlook users to hook up to mail, calendars, and appointments and with a range of other benefits. Launched with MSN Hotmail, Outlook Live! is a subscription to the latest version of Outlook that includes 2GB of online storage, the ability to send attachments of up to 20MB, plus security technologies. Outlook Live! won't just pick up MSN and Hotmail email - it will also be able to handle email from other accounts and allow multiple contact lists and calendars to be set up. ...more

Toshiba gets more blue in the tooth

Toshiba announces a new Bluetooth SDIO card. Supporting Bluetooth wireless comms, the updated card is aimed at PCs, PDAs, mobile phones and digicams - anything equipped with an SD slot. Toshiba released its first Bluetooth SDIO card back in July 2001 - with the Japanese launch of its 'Genio' PocketPC-based handheld. ...more

Music subs service geared for a festive roll out

Music labels' online subscription services are to be quietly rolled out this Christmas. There won't be a fanfare for these services yet, as the major labels are concentrating efforts on marketing the boxed products. But at the end of a year that has seen the first decline in sales since monitoring began 10 years ago and with online piracy being pointed out as a reason behind this, it's time for the likes of MusicNet and Pressplay to prove their worth. ...more