IN THE PAPERS
In the papers 28 January
28-01-2008
by Ciara O'Brien
Sony Ericsson secures content for online music store | Iona to cut 45 jobs
The Irish Times reports that mobile phone users are facing the introduction of more widespread handling charges for top-ups arising from a dispute over commissions between newsagents and mobile operators. While some retailers already charge a handling or convenience fee when customers top up their phones, the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA) says many more will introduce the charge to ensure a reasonable return on the product. The CSNA says it is alarmed by proposals from Vodafone to reduce the commission it pays to payment collection companies.
The paper also says that migrants from outside the EU will be obliged to carry identity cards with biometric information under sweeping reforms to the State immigration laws to be announced later this week. As well as introducing new identity cards, the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will streamline the asylum process, introduce changes to the way visas are issued to migrant workers and allow for the introduction of a language test for citizenship applicants.
Meanwhile, the Irish Examiner reports that Justice Minister Brian Lenihan believes a way can be found to allow Ireland to access the EU's massive database of information on visitors to mainland Europe. Because Ireland and Britain are not part of the Schengen travel free area within the EU, they cannot access the common EU Schengen database, which allows member states to exchange information on visa applicants and to see if and why a person has already been refused a visa by another country. Minister Lenihan said Ireland would be more than willing to give the Schengen countries access to the Irish visa database in exchange for access to theirs.
The paper also says that research funding provided by Science Foundation Ireland has topped EUR1 billion since the Government-initiated programme was set up in 2001. And spending is set to continue with a further EUR31 million in initiatives just announced at the group's board meeting in Cork.
The Irish Independent reports that credit card fraud has fallen by 44 percent, thanks to the introduction of the chip-and-PIN system. However, the number of internet scams is on the rise, with an estimated 50 percent increase in the past year. Figures from the Irish Payment Services Organisation show that the instances of skimmings, counterfeit cards and stolen cards being used fell by 44 percent in the first half of 2007.
According to the Financial Times, legislation allowing the French government to send e-mail warnings to anyone downloading music tracks without paying for them should be passed by the summer, a senior official has said. Illegal downloading in France had reached such a point, said Jean Berbinau, general secretary of Armt, the regulatory authority for digital copyright, that the authorities had to act. The measures include a "three-strikes-and-you're-out" policy for people downloading illegally. After two warnings, another breach would mean internet service providers would have to block a person's web access.
The Wall Street Journal reports that mobile handset maker Sony Ericsson has unveiled content deals with three of the world's four top music labels ahead of the launch of its online music store in May. Sony Ericsson said its upgraded PlayNow internet and mobile phone service will be available in 30 countries worldwide by year-end. It will offer more than 5 million music tracks, competing with Apple's iTunes Store and Nokia's Ovi portal.
The Sunday Times reports that the Simon Weisenthal Centre has received anti-Semitic e-mails from Ireland in the wake of its accusation that the Hunt Museum had held art with Nazi links. It said it had received about 50 abusive e-mails following Mary McAleese's criticism of the claims. She described the accusations as a "tissue of lies". In 2005 a government inquiry failed to uncover any evidence of Nazi-looted art in the museum.
The same paper reports that a new survey has rubbished claims made by the Government that Leitrim has high levels of broadband coverage, with almost half of respondents claiming to be unable to access a high-speed internet service. The survey, which was carried out by the county council, found that close to 50 percent of those surveyed said they had no access to broadband. This contrasts with claims by the Department of Communications, which said that only 10 percent of Leitrim was not serviced by private companies, and that it was planning a national broadband scheme to cover these areas. However, the discrepancy may be explained by the department's inclusion of wireless services in its calculations. This coverage may be affected by obstructions in the direct line-of-sight.
The Sunday Business Post reports bad news for Iona Technologies, which is set to shed 12 percent of its workforce. The 45 job cuts come as part of its bid to return to profitability. This will reduce the company's staff numbers to 320, and should save the firm USD8 million in operating expenses. Plans include closing its Beijing office, and the move to an indirect sales model in China.
The newspaper also writes about Limerick-based Ivici's plans to expand into new markets. The company has set a target of EUR2 million turnover next year, up from its current EUR1.2 million. The firm was born from the acquisition of the rights to distribute UK firm Astute Software's products by Limerick-based ORC Consulting.
The same paper writes about a new deal between In1 Solutions, a Swords-based software firm, and South African e-commerce company Team Storage Solutions. The new deal will allow the two firms to offer online booking services for tourist and hospitality companies, in anticipation of the World Cup in 2010.
The newspaper also reports on Data Edge's plans to boost staff numbers thanks to new business won with financial institutions. Three or four new employees will be taken on at the Bray company, which currently employs 10 people. The firm resells software and specialises in performance management applications.
British homes are set for superfast broadband, the paper also says, with a 100Mbps service, leaving Irish speeds in the dust. Britain is set to join other European countries in accessing next-generation broadband.
The paper also reports that EA is set to give away the first free video game later this year, funded by in-game advertising and sales of accessories, weapons, and other game items. Battlefield Heroes will be released later this year.
Caped Koala Studios has built a virtual world for kids, combining education and social networking 