Skype betas v2.6 of its Net phone software

Skype has released version 2.6 of its Net phone software as a public beta. The new version makes a big deal of Skypecasts. ...more

Mystic Malone's almanac for 2006

It is that time of year again: that time when we gaze into our crystal ball and with trembling lips predict the events that will shape the technology industry in 2006. The fog is clearing, and we foresee.. ...more

Eolas seeks Internet Explorer ban

Eolas, whose patent forced Microsoft to announce forthcoming changes to Internet Explorer, has asked a Chicago court to prevent Microsoft distributing the existing browser as it infringes their patent. Attorney Martin Lueck said that Microsoft's decision not to license the Eolas technology, but to seek instead to work around it (see Microsoft sets out changes Internet Explorer), had prompted the decision to seek further action. Eolas has already secure one legal victory, and more than $500mn damages, having persuaded a court that ActiveX controls in IE 6, which enable the playback of applications and content served over the Internet, violate its patent. ...more

ISPA reveals the heroes and villains of the Net

The ISPA, the body that represents UK ISPs, has announced the shortlists for the 2004 ISPA Awards. The awards are split into three categories: ISP, which recognises the best of its kind in a number of consumer and businesss categories; Supplier, which garlands the companies that provide the UK's networks, routers, exchanges and applications; and the Special Awards, including the Internet Hero and Internet Villain gongs. Nominees for 'Hero' comprise: the Law Commission for England and Wales - for calling for a change to the law relating to defamation on the Internet; Steve Linford and Spamhaus - for educating people about spam, endeavouring to thwart spammers and urging the US to reject the opt-out approach to spam legislation; Mary Tait from the Department of Trade and Industry - for maintaining a balanced approach and striving for a joined-up approach to the variety of issues affecting the Internet industry in the E-Commerce Directive, the new Data Protection Directive and Communications Act; Richard Thomas and the Office of the Information Commissioner - for demonstrating a pragmatic and user-friendly approach, not just paying lip service to such a goal'; and Stephen Timms MP - for the enthusiasm he demonstrates in his role. ...more

New HP Integrity servers bring the high-end Unix systems to SMBs

Alongside the launch of a new version of HP-UX, computer maker HP has launched two new products in its Integrity high-availability server range - a variant of the BladeSystem c-Class technology launched late last year and a new rack-mountable 2U conventional server.l as The two products use Intel Itanium 2 processors in both single and dual-core configurations. Both make use of new cooling fans based on jet engine technology to deliver improved cooling, as well as being power-efficient. ...more