IT Forum 2005: Microsoft challenges Linux reliability

In what will be a red rag to the Linux bull, Microsoft is trumpeting a survey that concludes that Windows is a more reliable platform than Linux for companies. The study compared two teams of IT administrators as they maintained Windows Server 2000 and Novell SUSE Enterprise Linux 8, and then upgraded to Windows Server 2003 and Novell SUSE Enterprise Linux 9, respectively. The comparison, which took place over the course of a year, was carried out by Security Innovation, described as an independent security services company (unfortunately its website was down at time of writing). ...more

ARM builds in biometric voice recognition

The UK voice recognition specialists Domain Dynamics is working with ARM to develop biometric voice security technology. Reducing the scope for fraud and security breaches is the goal. Domain Dynamics is to join the ARM PrimeXsys Community Program, making its Smart Voice technology available to developers for ARM devices, which include phones, PDAs and access control systems. ...more

IBM inside

IBM is to launch its first branding campaign, for when its technology features within third-party products. Along the lines of Intel's Intel Inside branding on PCs and other technology products that raised the recognition of the Intel brand to the ranks of Coca-Cola and Levis, the IBM sticker will show a blue and white striped logo in the shape of a peeled back flag with the tag line "IBM Technology". The first product to get the IBM seal will be Nintendo's GameCube, which launches in Japan mid September. ...more

Microsoft and Nigeria team up against 419 scams

Microsoft is teaming up with the government of Nigeria in a bid to tackle the problem of 419 scams, or advanced fee frauds. 419 scams, so called because of the Nigerian penal code they fall foul of, involve sending out an email purporting to be from someone with a large amount of money they need to quickly transfer to another bank account. In return the recipient is promised a cut of the funds. ...more

Government bids for transparency online

New Government Web site tells whether promises are being met. The Web site contains information on the Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets that were announced in last year's Spending Review and allows the public to see how the government is performing against its targets. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt Hon Paul Boateng MP, said: 'The Government is firmly committed to accountability and transparency as one of the key principles of public service reform and this Web site marks a step change in the level of performance reporting by Government. ...more