Allied Irish Bank opts for Sun desktop

Allied Irish Bank has signed up to use Sun Microsystem's Linux-based Java Desktop System (JDS) across 7,500 seats. The deal marks the largest customer win for Sun's desktop - in this case for the news JDS 2 system which offers centralised management controls. Sun will also provide consulting, support and education services alongside the desktops. ...more

Sony launches worldwide video over IP service

Sony is to launch what it claims is the world's first IP-based video call service. Based on its own technology and that of GlowPoint, the company says it can offer video calls to anywhere in the world. Sony says that the IVE (Instant Video Everywhere ) service is as simple to use as making a phone call. ...more

Intel releases new Xeon heavyweight server processors

Sunday saw the introduction of some new Intel Xeon server processors, including a 3.2GHz Xeon and a 3GHz Xeon MP. The new top-of-the-range Xeon MP, for multi-processor systems, also doubles the amount of Level 2 cache. ...more

RUNE II?

Rune II? Well not quite, but apparently Human Head Studios is planning to release an add-on pack for its Viking hack-and-slash game RUNE. Once more around the Ragnar dear friends, once more! RUNE: The Halls of Valhalla will be a multiplayer-only addition, but get this: you can either use it with the original game or it will stand up on its own two feet! Providing more exciting Internet or LAN action, the pack will contain new features, new maps and, best of all, two new game modes. Arena presents players with a kind of gladiatorial combat idea, and it has primarily been designed for one-on-one slashing frenzies although some of the new levels will be large enough to support more than two players. ...more

BT pulls the trigger on Broadband-ometer

BT needs no confirmation for speedier broadband upgrade. BT Wholesale is taking the 42 day confirmation process out of its controversial broadband registration scheme, enabling the company to immediately begin upgrading 18 exchanges where registration has topped the trigger level or where the confirmation process is already in place. Bruce Stanford, director of wholesale products at BT, said: 'We've seen more than 200,000 people register their interest in getting broadband since the registration scheme was launched and 10 exchanges are now live for broadband as a result. ...more