AMD slashes prices, introduces XP-M 3000+

AMD has matched Intel's price cutting with a round of its own. Leading the way, in percentage terms, are the 64-bit Opteron servers. The 8-way 800 models have been cut by as much as 40 per cent (the 844), with the 200 and 100 models also seeing cuts of up to a third. ...more

AMD and Fujitsu merge Flash memory operations

Chip manufacturer AMD and computer giant Fujitsu Limited have announced that they are to merge their Flash memory operations into a single business. The new company, to be called FASL LLC, will be based on the integration of AMD and Fujitsu's Flash memory businesses, including their existing joint manufacturing venture, Fujitsu AMD Semiconductor Limited. The new company is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of this year. ...more

Star Office free no more

Sun Microsystems has launched version 6.0 of StarOffice, and for the first time fettered it with a price tag, $75.95 (about ?52). ...more

Protesters storm Apple stores over DRM issue

Demonstrators targeted eight Apple retail stores at the weekend to protest against its use of DRM copy protection software of iTunes Music Store downloads. The demonstrations were organised by DefectiveByDesign.org, the Campaign to Eliminate DRM, and targeted Apple because it is the number one vendor of DRM-restricted digital content. ...more

Microsoft and HP partner for enterprise collaboration

Microsoft and HP have announced a partnership that will see a $300m, three-year investment, aimed at winning big customers. As part of the project, HP becomes Microsoft's first 'premier global partner' for its People-Ready Business, and together they will develop enterprise class systems in high growth areas: messaging and unified communications; collaboration and content management; business intelligence; business process integration; and core infrastructure. Microsoft will carve out a dedicated Microsoft Solutions Practice, with the aim of developing a product portfolio geared around these sectors. ...more