IBM scoops up ISS for $1.3B ... Sony moves on Web video with Grouper buy

Today's IT News Audio Update
Microsoft delays release of security fix ... Salesforce.com and NetSuite help track online ad campaigns ... FTC to examine net neutrality concerns


HIGHLIGHTS

News: IBM to buy Internet Security Systems for $1.3 billion
News: Brazil threatens to shut down Google.br
News: Sony moves on Web video with Grouper acquisition
News: Microsoft signs ad deal with Facebook
Opinion: Open Source Escape Hatch
Research: Another use for your cell phone
ITwhirled: Geek cheat sheet


NEWS UPDATES

IBM to buy Internet Security Systems for $1.3 billion
IBM Corp. plans to buy Internet Security Systems Inc. (ISS) for $1.3 billion in a bid to better address growing IT security issues.

Brazil threatens to shut down Google.br
Federal prosecutors in Brazil are threatening to force Google Brazil to shut down and pay fines for failing to turn over customer records as part of investigations against pedophiles.

Sony moves on Web video with Grouper acquisition
Sony Pictures Entertainment is making a foray into the fast-expanding world of Web video sharing by acquiring Grouper Networks Inc., the privately-held operator of the grouper.com Web site.

Microsoft signs ad deal with Facebook
Microsoft Corp. will supply banner and text ads for Facebook, a social networking Web site, under a deal signed after the two companies only opened discussions last week, they said.

Video pirates: Watch out for fingerprints
New video fingerprinting technology from Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV could help stem the flood of movies and other video content being traded illegally on the Internet.

Sun Micro gets boost from new server share report
Sun Microsystems Inc. has rebounded in the server market, according to new numbers for the second quarter of this year released today.

Microsoft delays re-issue of IE patch
Microsoft has pushed back the re-release of a buggy Internet Explorer (IE) security update, saying that the quality of its software is still not up to snuff.

Hynix gets delay in Rambus patent lawsuit
A California judge has delayed a patent infringement trial pitting Rambus Inc. against Hynix Semiconductor Inc. while the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sorts out royalty rates for computer memory.


OPINION

Open Source Escape Hatch
By James Gaskin

Every Fortune 2000 company uses CRM tools from either PeopleSoft, Siebel, JD Edwards, Vantive, Avaya, or some combination of two or more of these application. Every Fortune 2000 company hates being locked in to these systems and getting jerked through unwanted upgrades or mergers that requires extensive reprogramming.


RESEARCH

Another use for your cell phone
By Dan Blacharski

Near-field communications technology will make it possible for you to use your cell phone to make point of purchase transactions.


ITWHIRLED

Geek cheat sheet
Oh no! With the rise of geek culture, those of you who were busy having dates in high school might need help gaining entry into geekish society. Have no fear: this guide can help you fake it.