Lucent Offering DSL Access
In the wake of massive layoffs and struggling to stay afloat economically Lucent Technologies has decided to launch a new program, ProfitSuites, which will be charged with supplying DSL access and Internet services to hotels, office buildings, apartments and other structures that house more than one tenant. ProfitSuites includes a range of equipment including DSLAMs and switching technology needed for outfitting buildings with DSL service. This could be a profitable move for Lucent since the MTU market is scheduled to grow to $2 billion by the year 2003, according to an analyst at market research firm Current Analysis Inc. At least 8 million small-to-medium-sized businesses are located in an MTU in the U.S. alone, according to a federal Department of Energy study.
Long-Distance Calls Get Limits on Web
What was seen as an enticement to users at the height of the dot-com frenzy is being taken away from users. Microsoft and Net2Phone have placed limits on free Internet phone calls offered through MSN Messenger. The move is the latest disappointment for consumers hoping to wipe out long-distance bills by turning to the Web. Microsoft is limiting long-distance calls to five-minutes a piece when using MSN Messenger or the Net2Phone site. The move comes after the company recently canceled its $400 rebate for computer buyers who signed up for three years of its MSN online service. Other Net companies to drop freebies include AltaVista, which canned its free Internet access program after partner 1stUp.com shut down. Sources said MSN and Net2Phone can make more money off advertising by limiting calls to 5 minutes.
Nokia Releases WAP Toolkit
(Newstream) Nokia announced the immediate availability of its updated WAP Toolkit for network operators, application developers and content providers. The Nokia WAP Toolkit 2.1 is a free software tool that provides a PC-based environment in which developers can write, test and de-bug WAP applications. This is the first time a mobile phone simulator is provided for the WAP-enabled Nokia 6200 and 7100 Series phones. These simulators, running the same software that the commercial phone versions incorporate, enable prototyping of WAP services exactly as they would appear on handsets currently available in the marketplace.
IT Summit Scheduled for Caribbean
The Caribbean's First Information Technology Forum & Economic Summit will be held in Antigua Thursday March 15 at the Multi-Purpose Cultural Centre. Over 150 Information Technology VIP's, Executives, and Technical support personnel from around the Caribbean and the United States will be in Antigua for the Technology event. The Summit's welcoming address will be deliver by the Hon. Lester Bird, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. Among the speakers will be attorney Patrick O'Brien, a specialist in offshore banking and trade regulations by the United States and foreign government; John McIsaac, of McIsaac and Associates, e-commerce consultant; the Hon. Steadroy C.O. Benjamin, minister of labour; The Hon. Gaston Browne, minister of planning. Topics at the summit include: information technology as it relates to the Caribbean; Caribbean e-commerce; Internet banking; communications; offshore gaming; e-business public relations and marketing; the World Wide Web; Web business design, and country regulations. The Caribbean Public Relations and Marketing Group is organizing the summit.
Microsoft Corp., Branching Out
Seeking to carry its brand name beyond the world of personal computing, Microsoft Corp., is branching into to make embedded software which runs everything from factory robots and refrigerators. The company announced an alliance with several semiconductor makers that will allow them to develop customized chips for devices running embedded versions of Microsoft's operating systems. Microsoft plans to allow chip makers, including Intel Corp., MIPS Technologies Inc. and ARM Holdings PLC, to modify the source code used to create its Windows CE operating system.
Micromuse Launches Netcool/Visionary 2.0
(Newstream) Micromuse Inc., the leading provider of real time fault management and service assurance software, announced its Netcool/VisionaryTM Version 2.0 software, the newest release of its network problem diagnosis application. The Netcool/Visionary v2.0 product includes enhanced performance, support for new technologies and the ability for users to add their own models and rules. Road Runner utilizes Micromuse's Netcool® suite, including Netcool/Visionary software, to help monitor events on its broadband IP data network, which is used to deliver high-speed Internet access and broadband applications and services to over 1 million subscribers. Netcool/Visionary v2.0 software introduces initial support for application management with new capabilities that enable network operations teams to analyze specific hardware and software problems. Netcool/Visionary v2.0 software also delivers support for broadband wireless communication technology with the ability to detect and analyze problems with Radio Frequency (RF) components of Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) and Cisco Wireless Local Loop (WLL) Equipment, such as Cisco uBR.
GPS System Creates New Avenues
(Newstream) Global satellite tracking of your location, emergency aid, roadside assistance, cellular telephone service are now available through the Personal Safeguard Companion. Press one button and help is on the way. The "Mayday" button connects you to satellites, cellular service and a command center; help is dispatched immediately. The PSC offers two-way voice communication, and standard cellular service to send and receive calls. Once the "mayday" button is pushed, the PSC simultaneously activates the Satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) and the cellular telephone connection. The 911-trained command center operator immediately receives mapping data on your precise location through your cellular connection when the call is established. Roadside assistance includes flat tires, running out of gas service vehicles and tow trucks. The "special alert" options can be used for an alarm clock, medication reminder or anytime check-ins, where no response from you will lead to an operator dispatching help immediately. For more information on this or 300-plus security, surveillance, countersurveillance and countermeasure equipment and go to www.spyzone.com.