IN THE PAPERS
In The Papers 17 August
17-08-2009
by Sylvia Leatham
CAO points rise for science courses | Gov to develop cyber-security strategy
The Irish Times reports that CAO points for third-level science courses have surged after much stronger demand from students. In a trend that will be welcomed by Government and industry, first-preference applications for higher degree courses in science are up 28 percent. As a result, the points requirement for many science courses has increased significantly. However, science is still much less popular among students than arts/social science, which attracted more than 17,400 first preference applications, or over 25 percent of all higher degree applications.
The paper also reports that a new cyber-security strategy will be developed for Ireland by the end of this year, according to the Minister for Communications. "We need to be alert to and prepared for attacks," said Eamon Ryan, announcing that he had commissioned a report on Ireland's state of readiness should a cyber-attack occur. The report will also contain a review of current international best practice on cyber-security and the structures that should be developed to oversee the Government's response to attacks.
The Irish Examiner says that Regus, a provider of serviced offices, has seen 175 percent growth in lettings in Ireland. Regus said it is finding that companies are looking to save money on commercial property costs as more businesses equip employees with Blackberrys and laptops and move them out of the main office as a way of reducing expenses. "During these challenging economic times, employers are embracing flexible workplace practices as a key business strategy," said Michael Barth, Regus' regional manager for Ireland.
The Wall Street Journal reports that handset maker Sony Ericsson's president, Dick Komiyama, is to retire at the end of the year. Bert Nordberg, currently head of Ericsson Silicon Valley, will assume the role of president on 15 October. The company also said that Sony chief Howard Stringer will replace Ericsson CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg as chairman of Sony Ericsson's board on the same date.
The paper also says that Russian hackers hijacked US identities and software tools and used them in an attack on Georgian government websites last year, according to new research. The US Cyber Consequences Unit, a non-profit group, found that in addition to turning Microsoft software into a cyber-weapon, hackers collaborated on US-based social networking sites, including Twitter and Facebook, to coordinate attacks on Georgian sites. While the attacks on Georgia were examined shortly after the events last year, these US connections were not previously known.
According to the Financial Times, IBM researchers may have discovered a way to use DNA to help build the next generation of chips -- a breakthrough that could replace the enormously expensive and complex machinery currently used. Scientists suggest that artificial DNA nanostructures and "DNA origami", in which a long single strand of DNA is folded into a shape using shorter "staple strands", could be used to provide a template for the self-assembly of other materials into nanoelectronic or nano-optical devices on the surface of a chip. However, the technique will need to be refined and tested, a process that could take more than ten years.
The Sunday Times reports that new research has found electronic communication such as texting and social networking sites can actually promote face-to-face interaction. The study, which looked at adolescents in 31 countries including Ireland, revealed that rather than replacing real-life friendships, technology is actually facilitating them. Researchers found that the more teenagers used electronic media, the more friends they have, and the more time they spend with them.
The same paper reports that the UK's business secretary, Lord Mandelson, had a private dinner with a Hollywood mogul just days before he instructed officials to draw up strict internet piracy regulations. Billionaire David Geffen is critical of file-sharing. However, Mandelson's spokesman has denied that internet piracy was discussed during the dinner. A 'Digital Britain' bill regulating file-sharing will be published next month.
The paper also says that a Donegal south-west group is hoping to copy the success of the Swedish Pirate Party and is planning to run a candidate in a by-election as the Pirate Party Ireland. The Irish group needs to sign up 300 members before it can be given official status, but at present has fewer than 100. However, the group is confident it will get the necessary members, saying there is a lot of interest in the party.
The paper also writes that Apple is facing scrutiny from regulators over alleged monopolistic practices over the iPhone and its App Store. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken an interest after Apple refused to permit a Google Voice application to work on the iPhone. It now wants to know what other applications have been given the thumbs down, and why.
The same paper says that two big names in the British technology sector -- Brent Hoberman, co-founder of Lastminute.com, and Michael Birch, founder of Bebo -- have given their support to Tweetdeck, an application that helps give users easier access to microblogging site Twitter. The pair are part of a team of investors who have invested USD2 million in TweetDeck.
The Sunday Tribune writes that TDs and senators are being hit with an e-mail campaign opposing the National Assets Management Agency (Nama). The anonymous group behind the campaign claims to have the support of 2,400 people, and has e-mailed each of the 166 TDs and 58 senators in the Oireachtas, asking them to oppose the scheme. One unnamed minister said he had been sent about 50 e-mails, some of which were signed. However, he said the e-mails were similar, leading him to believe that there was an organised campaign behind the messages.
The same paper says that only a few dozen people have signed up online to Dublin's rent-a-bike scheme. The internet launch took place last week, with subscriptions "minimal". However, the site has attracted more than 15,000 hits in its first few days. It is expected that the take-up will increase once the initiative is completely rolled out in early September. Under an agreement with French advertising firm JC Decaux, 450 bicycles will be made available in exchange for permission to use outdoor advertising space in Dublin for 15 years.
The Sunday Business Post reports that the Cloud Computing Summit will take place next month, aiming to shed light on the cloud computing sector and its applications for businesses. Aimed at business and technology leaders, the event will look at how companies can use cloud computing to cut costs and raise efficiency. Cloud computing uses internet-hosted technologies instead of traditional hardware and software. The event will take place in Croke Park on 22 and 23 September.
The paper also reports that Irish digital music retailer Downloadmusic.ie is hoping to raise its first round of seed capital. The company, which has successfully launched in Ireland and moved into Britain, deals mainly with independent artists, including well-known Irish acts such as The Saw Doctors, Republic of Loose and Aslan. Its main mode of transaction is through premium rate text messages, the paper says, following its decision to use the messages as a way of paying for tracks. Last year it moved into the British market with Textatrack.co.uk.
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