W3C sets standard for technical illustrations on the Web

W3C and Oasis have published WebCGM 2.0, a new standard for technical illustrations in electronic documents. Computer Graphics Metafile, or CGM, is an ISO standard for a tree-structured, binary graphics format that is widely deployed in the defence, aviation, architecture and transport industries for displaying 2D technical illustrations in electronic documents. ...more

Five years ago: the Apple of Tesco's eye, and the UK digiTV makeover

It seems odd that it should be Tesco of all UK supermarkets that should be selling Apple computers, taking the plunge after a successful trial in Milton Keynes. It so happens that five years ago Apple wasn't so keen on the idea, even if Tesco was. So despite Apple refusing to supply machines, Tesco turned to the grey market to sell indigo 400MHz iMacs at ?699. ...more

Sony may expand PlayStation hard drive capacity

Sony said on Tuesday that it is considering launching a PS3 console with a larger hard disk drive capacity, in a bid to cater to the needs of hardcore gamers and other heavy users. The company had previously announced the decision not to make a 20GB version available when PS3 launched in Europe last month, leaving it with just the single, 60GB version. 'For users who vigourously store [games and other entertainment content] in the PS3, 20GB is probably going to be too small, and even 60GB may not be big enough eventually,' Sony Computer Entertainment spokesman Satoshi Fukuoka said. ...more

IBM adds to Java Security

IBM has released a number of free tools to help improve the security of Java applications. Among the tools on offer is automatic data encryption for Java. The company says that the IBM Secure Shell Library for Java automatically encrypts data transmitted from one computer to another, including passwords and information stored in files, therefore preventing it from being exposed to hackers and other online menaces. ...more

Nokia and Siemens merge networks businesses

European telecoms giants Nokia and Siemens are to merge their communications networks interests into a new business to be called Nokia Siemens Networks. The new operation, which will be owned jointly by the two parent companies, will inherit the assets of Nokia's Networks Business Group and the carrier-related operations of Siemens to create the fourth largest mobile and fixed networks maker with combined annual revenues of €15.8 billion (?10. ...more