In the papers 12 May
12-05-2008
by Sylvia Leatham
Microsoft to appeal antitrust fine | DSG seeks store cutbacks
The Financial Times reports that Microsoft has said it will appeal against the USD1.4 billion antitrust fine imposed by the European Commission two months ago. In a statement, the software giant said it was asking the European Court of First Instance to annul the European Commission's February decision. The European Commission responded by saying it was "confident that the decision to impose the penalty was legally sound".
The paper also says that Vodafone has ruled itself out of the bidding war for MTN, a mobile operator in Africa and the Middle East, by insisting it has no plans to make an offer. The UK mobile group last week reviewed the case for making a bid for MTN after Bharti Airtel, India's largest mobile operator, made an informal offer for a controlling stake in the Johannesburg-listed company. "We have no intention of pursuing an offer for MTN," said a Vodafone spokesman. Vodafone has been focused on trying to secure control of Vodacom, South Africa's largest mobile operator, but those efforts suffered a setback late last year.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Research In Motion will unveil the latest version of its BlackBerry handheld device on Monday, with enhancements aimed at protecting market share against competitors such as Apple's iPhone. Called the BlackBerry Bold, the new device runs on 3G networks and has added processing power, which makes it easier to download music, browse the internet and watch videos.
The paper also says that social networking site Facebook has raised USD100 million in debt to buy equipment to manage its rapid growth in users. TriplePoint Capital of California is providing the financing. Facebook has seen rapid growth in traffic in the past year, drawing 109.2 million visitors in March 2008 -- more than triple its traffic in March 2007, according to comScore metrics. The debt financing is expected to help the company buy server systems and other equipment to maintain the site.
The Sunday Independent reports that a laptop belonging to the Financial Regulator was stolen from a hotel three years ago. However, there was no confidential information on the machine, as the regulator has a policy of not storing confidential data on laptops, choosing instead to use encrypted discs. No discs were stolen in the robbery. Smartphones and any other device that contains sensitive information are encrypted, the regulator said.
The Sunday Tribune reports that Communications Minister Eamon Ryan has acquired almost cult status thanks to a new Facebook group dedicated to "the sexiest politician in Ireland". The group, which the paper says has some involvement with the Young Greens, even includes pictures of Ryan's face superimposed on David Hasselhoff's body.
The same paper reports that the stolen Bank of Ireland laptops also contained details of people who had consulted financial advisers at the firm, but were not customers. The company refused to divulge to the paper how many non-customers have been affected. It holds on to data for two years as a matter of routine, but this may be reduced to six months. The Data Protection Commissioner refused to comment on the new revelations.
The Sunday Times writes that new video game Grand Theft Auto has brought Niall Toner's song Dublin 2-Step to prominence, which may prompt a revival for the bluegrass singer. The 1990 track was included in the soundtrack for the game after it was heard by a games executive. GTA IV has sold 6 million copies in its first week. The track is used in a raid scene in an Irish pub.
The same paper writes that BT is negotiating the sale of its data centres in Britain to HP for STG1.5 billion. The deal will not affect BT's facility in Citywest, Dublin. Data storage will be handled by HP, allowing BT to focus on simplifying corporate customers' networks. Up to 400 people could be transferred to HP if the deal is signed in the next few weeks. Under the deal, BT will take over the management of HP's global voice and data networks, a role it already manages in Europe.
The same paper reports that DSG is to cut its dividend and may close up to 200 of its 700 stores in a bid to shake up the firm. The company, which owns PC World, Currys and Dixons stores in Ireland, is also expected to amalgamate the PC World and Currys brand under the one roof in dozens more stores. Chief Executive John Bowett has apparently told his colleagues that DSG must get the UK operations right, and will rethink store formats. The online operation could also be rethought, to include furniture, books and other goods.
The Sunday Business Post reports that Payzone, the troubled e-payments firm, is to raise funding of between EUR20 million and EUR30 million to develop the firm following its recent boardroom rows. Trading in its shares was suspended after Chief Executive John Nagle and Chief Financial Officer John Williamson were forced out in January, and formally removed by the firm in March.
The same paper reports that Limerick start-up ResourceKraft has scooped a contract with RTE. The energy management firm will give technical assistance to a new TV series that covers home energy efficiency and the efforts of two families to cut their carbon footprint. The company's system, which monitors energy usage and relays the information back to a software interface, will be used during the series. The series, 'My Family Aren't Wasters', will be screened from Tuesday.
The paper also writes that System Dynamics plans to make another significant acquisition during 2008. The company, which has already acquired software firm Systima in the past week, said it had clear targets in mind and hinted that a new acquisition could be in the professional services sector.
The Sunday Business Post also reports that Dublin-based Igpopeople.com is raising EUR1 million in funding before it beings its product to the market. The company, which is hoping to use the popularity of social networking websites to connect brands with consumers, will allow users to register profiles and choose groups and brands they are interested in, viewing others opinions and the company's responses.
The same paper reports that Samsung is seeking to boost its presence in the Irish market, planning an all-out assault on the market in its bid to become the number two mobile phone manufacturer here. The company is planning a EUR1 million campaign and will launch a competitor for the iPhone in July.
The paper also reports that a Galway company is set to launch a new wireless solar hi-fi system. The system, which is based on space technology, is to be unveiled by speaker and hi-fi technology firm O'hEocha Design. The solar-powered system is being pitched at MP3 users and the company claims it will be one of the greenest hi-fi systems on the planet. The recyclable system will weigh no more than 0.3 kg.
