15th June 2000 Archive

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MS beats rap in private lawsuit – only 136 to go

Jury still out (actually, not there at all) on Windows overpricing issue

Microsoft has beaten the rap in one of the stack of private lawsuits being brought against it. An Oregon judge's ruling that consumers couldn't sue Microsoft for overpricing Windows means that the number of lawsuits pending is now reduced to, er, 136. Microsoft spokesman Jim Cullinan was naturally cock-a-hoop about the ruling, …

Software 15 Jun 2000, 06:39
US bids to ban spam

oi! - Europe - take note

Consumers' groups, politicians and other decision-makers in Britain and Europe still dithering about their policy on unsolicited email should take heart. Those Net savvy people in the US are still persevering with their bid to crack down on spam despite a number of legal setbacks Yesterday, the House of Representatives' …

Music and Media 15 Jun 2000, 11:14
Somerfield shuts up online shop

And other ebiz nuggets

Somerfield has announced plans to scrap its online shopping business this month. The supermarket chain's ecommerce division will take its last orders on Sunday, and the business is due to shut on June 25. More than 200 staff will be affected by the move at its 24-7 shopping arm, but Somerfield today declined to comment on job …

Business 15 Jun 2000, 12:46
Smile promises cash for a crash

Online bank gets cocky about its service

The Co-op's Internet bank, Smile, is the first of the online bank to guarantee services, with an offer to pay out automatic compensation to customers who are let down. The move came as the Banking Ombudsman watchdog said that it would consider ordering that compensation be paid to users of Internet banks who had been …

Business 15 Jun 2000, 13:02
DoJ files, while MS plays double game on delays

MS on Trial They'll get seriously confused if they keep this up...

The euphoria yesterday that sent Microsoft's share price above $70 (but still seriously down from $130 in December) may be short-lived, as it resulted from Microsoft filing an appeal for a stay over the conduct remedies with the Court of Appeals. The DoJ filed a brief and cool Motion with the Court of Appeals asking that …

Software 15 Jun 2000, 13:08
Jokes R' NT Us

Not terribly convincing spoof found on Microsoft support site

Is your PC taking it upon itself to soothe you with the lilting strains of Beethoven? Do not be lulled into a false sense of security. Your PC is about to die horribly. Check out this FAQ posted on the Microsoft support site. If your PC suddenly bursts into song it's for the following reason: "During normal operation or in …

Bootnotes 15 Jun 2000, 15:43
Corel warns of doubling loss in Q2

Revenues falling too...

It just keeps getting worse for Corel. Having announced plans to sack 320 workers and deprive CEO Michael Cowpland of his salary - all in an attempt to save $40 million in operating expenses - the company now has to face narrowing revenues and a plummeting loss. Corel said today its second fiscal quarter will see a loss of $22- …

Software 15 Jun 2000, 15:54
Psion chief says deals with split MS possible

Other chief pours cold water on WAP

Psion CEO David Levin has been warning today that WAP is over-hyped and doesn't put "the Internet on your phone" as some over-enthusiastic promoters have been suggesting. This is refreshing, since the emerging generation of WAP devices is going to be a considerable disappointment for many users until there is a broader band …

Software 15 Jun 2000, 16:58
Digital signatures now worth the paper they're not printed on

Hand-delivered termination

Digital signatures are on their way to gaining the same legal weight in America as hand-written ones. This means legally binding contracts can now be finalised online. Previously, applications for loans or mortgages and so on could be filled in online, but the final contract had to be sent out and signed in person. This is no …

Business 15 Jun 2000, 19:54
PC builders – or garbage collectors?

Binmen of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but your margins

The European Commission (EC) proposed a Directive yesterday aimed at making PC builders responsible for paying to recycle returned kit. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive could take a year to get through the European Parliament. It may have an uphill struggle as it has already been subjected to …

Business 15 Jun 2000, 19:54
New surveys cited in Napster injunction request

Statisticians get ready to rumble

When the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) filed for an injunction against Napster with the US District Court in San Francisco this week, they also submitted what they call 'statistical analyses' to bolster claims that Napster users are depressing music sales. "(Nearly half) of Napster users described the nature …

Music and Media 15 Jun 2000, 23:14