Microsoft set to release disk based back up system

Microsoft says that its first disk-based data backup system will be released to manufacturing within the next 30 days. The Microsoft System Centre Data Protection Manager (DPM) aims to allow IT departments to back up their information on fast hard disk systems rather than the familiar tape based systems. DPM also has the benefit of allowing end users to retrieve lost or corrupted files on from their own desktop without having to bother the IT department. ...more

Eclipse rewards friends and family broadband

Eclipse Internet is offering ?30 rewards for its broadband subscribers who persuade friends and family to sign up. Eclipse Connect will pay ?30 for each friend who switches from another service provider and ?15 for any friends who sign up to their first broadband connection. 'The excellent quality of service and customer services that we've provided for ten years has been the backbone of our business and the reason that our customers recommend us to their friends and families,' said Luke Lang, marketing manager at Eclipse Internet. ...more

Microsoft reports server-driven record revenues

Microsoft has announced a 12 per cent jump in revenues for its first quarter: a record. The company recorded revenues of $9.19bn for the quarter ended 30 September, beating even the higher analyst estimates of $9. ...more

Speech-recognition giant files for bankruptcy

The troubled speech-recognition software company Lernout & Hauspie has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware yesterday. Having bought out most of its rivals, it is now struggling with a burden of debt and accusations of malpractice. Lernout & Hauspie Holdings USA - which was recently formed to purchase Dragon Systems - and its acquired Dictaphone division, have also filed for protection. ...more

Government thinktank frets over Broadband take up

The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) has produced its third annual report, examining the state of broadband in 2004 and looking ahead to next generation broadband services. The BSG is a government advisory group advises that 'new targets should be set' and 'clear milestones' before 2010. More specifically, the report highlights five areas for attention. ...more