Briefs: September 19, 2005

HP PICKS NEW DATE, VENUE FOR TECHNOLOGY CONFAB

The HP gathering was to take place at the New Orleans Convention Center, one of the most visible sights of human tragedy following Hurricane Katrina. The forum will go forward with the same content elements including technical training sessions, hands-on labs, a Technology Exchange and the HP Solutions Showcase. However, HP said it still was uncertain whether CEO Mark Hurd will deliver the keynote address.

SEAGATE TARGETS HOME, SMALL BUSINESSES WITH MIRRA BUY
Hard-drive giant Seagate Technology last week extended its reach into small businesses and the home by acquiring Mirra, which produces the all-in-one Mirra Personal Server. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The Mirra device combines an intelligent network appliance, client software and Web services for remote access of data into a single unit. It can act as a backup device for multiple PCs and allows access by authorized users through the Internet to files stored on the server.

IBM UNFURLS SOA-FOCUSED ADDITIONS TO WEBSPHERE LINE
IBM announced new WebSphere products last week that it hopes will make it easier for partners to adopt service-oriented architectures (SOAs) and integrate business processes into their applications.

The company said it is boosting integration of the core Tivoli, Rational and WebSphere server lineup and upping partner benefits. Partners can now use IBM&s SOA Business Value Toolkit and SOA templates, discounts and incentives.

In addition, IBM unveiled WebSphere Integration Developer, an Eclipse-based application-development tool for building and deploying business processes based on SOAs. The new WebSphere Process Server aims to simplify integration of processes that involve users and business partners. BUSINESS OBJECTS TAKES ON MIDMARKET WITH NEW BUNDLES
Business intelligence vendor Business Objects last week took another shot at the midmarket with the introduction of six new bundles, each available in 10-, 25- and 50-user configurations. Each bundle, built on the vendor&s Business-Objects XI platform, addresses specific needs of a midmarket organization. “Our strategy is to test the bundles with our partners, eventually moving to single SKUs,” said Juliette Sultan, vice president of Americas Marketing.

Prices range from $30,000 to $120,000 for the Dashboard Bundle, Data to Dashboard Bundle, Reporting Bundle, Live Office Bundle, Query and Analysis Bundle and Compliance Bundle.

MICROSOFT CREATES SPECIAL EDITIONS OF VISTA, WINDOWS XP
Microsoft adopted last week eight major changes to Software Assurance that will go into effect in March 2006.

Among the changes is the introduction of Windows Vista Enterprise Edition, a version of the forthcoming OS that will be made available exclusively to Software Assurance customers. The edition will include full-disk encryption, Virtual PC Express and a single disk image with all languages and both 32- and 64-bit versions.

Microsoft also announced a thin-client edition of Windows that will be known formally as Windows Fundamentals for Software Assurance. The software will let customers with legacy PCs upgrade to a light Windows XP. Microsoft also debuted new Desktop Deployment Planning Services—to be delivered by Microsoft Consulting Services and expert partners—and Information Work Solution Services. Finally, the company announced extended hot-fix support for customers with Premier or Essential support contracts, enhanced training and an Enterprise Edition Step-Up License.

ADOBE MAKES STRONG SHOWING IN LATEST QUARTER
Adobe Systems said its third-quarter earnings jumped nearly 39 percent and its revenue climbed 21 percent, fueled by strong sales of its Creative Suite and Acrobat software.

For the quarter ended Sept. 2, the software maker posted a profit of $144.9 million; revenue came in at $487 million, up from $403.7 million.

Adobe&s strong showing came the same week that Microsoft unveiled Expression, tools for Web and graphic designers expected to be released next year. The new software is expected to compete directly with Adobe&s Illustrator and GoLive as well as Macromedia&s Flash.

Late last month, Adobe shareholders approved its pending acquisition of Macromedia, expected to close this fall.

For the fourth quarter, Adobe forecasts sales of $490 million to $510 million, which would be a 14 percent to 19 percent year-over-year gain.