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CDWOW REVERTS TO LOWER PRICES AFTER CD ROW
Low-cost online retailer CDWow.ie appears to have found a loophole allowing it to keep its original prices while complying with a legal settlement that forces the company to source the CDs it sells from within the EU. The online seller’s UK store, after originally raising its prices following a settlement, CDWow has managed to revert to its previous pricing structure. Beyond confirming that the price cuts had taken place, the company would not comment further on the move. www.siliconrepublic.com/news/news.nv?uid=&sid=&storyid=single2646
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GOVERNMENT MOVES BROADBAND GOALPOSTS
In an apparent admission of failure, the Government has dramatically rowed back on its own broadband targets, siliconrepublic.com has learned. In his recent Policy Directions to ComReg, Communications Minister Dermot Ahern defined the Government’s main broadband goal as “to be at, or better than, the EU average for end-user access to and usage of broadband by mid 2005.” Previously, however, the Government’s primary broadband target has been that Ireland be ‘within the top decile [ie, 10pc] of OECD countries for broadband connectivity by 2005. This would put it on a par with countries like Korea (21.3pc broadband penetration), Canada (11.2pc), Sweden (7.8pc) and the US (6.9pc) (International Telecommmunication Union, Birth of Broadband report, Sept 2003). In fact, broadband penetration in Ireland stands at just 0.25pc.
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FUJITSU DELIVERS HIGH-TECH COURTROOMS
Fujitsu in Ireland has designed and delivered one of the world’s most high-tech courtrooms for the new Commercial Court in Dublin. Technology includes digital audio recording, video conferencing, and electronic evidence distribution catering for evidence from CD, DVD, VCR, visual presenter or an evidence PC/server or from counsel’s laptop. Evidence is displayed to the public through a large plasma screen and through touch screens located on the judge’s, counsel’s and registrar’s benches; all controlled by the judge or registrar via a wireless touch panel. The system will also facilitate the electronic filing and exchange of documents. The purpose-built commercial court, in its own premises five minutes’ walk from Dublin’s Four Courts, will generally deal only with commercial cases valued at over EUR1 million. http://ie.fujitsu.com
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SUN`S JAVA IN MISSION TO MARS
Sun`s Java technology is playing a key role in NASA`s latest highly successful Rover Mission to Mars. Scientists at NASA`s Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL) in Pasadena, are using a powerful Java technology-based ground side control system to manoeuvre Spirit on the Martian terrain. The US robot is transmitting black and white pictures of the Martian landscape to scientists using Java(TM) 3D and Java(TM) Advanced Imaging technology to render and interpret real time images captured by the Rover. The data collected through this programme is part of a distributed, collaborative network of scientists and engineers and the ability of Java technology to run on any platform enables a secure, reliable global dialogue within NASA`s scientific community. http://sun.com
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MENTEC EXPANDS THROUGH ACQUISITION
Mentec International has acquired Belfast-based software firm Transfare Solutions as part of a significant corporate expansion programme. Transfare Solutions is a provider of software for the automation and management of travelling, subsistence and expenses. The web-based solution – also called Transfare – is sold through a network of resellers in Ireland and the UK. The acquisition is part of the company’s strategy of expanding its product portfolio and geographic base. www.mentec.ie
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RAF LEARNING TAKES OFF WITH INTUITION
Professional education specialist Intuition has embarked on an innovative eLearning programme with the Royal Air Force Police (RAFP) following a strategic review of the force’s roles and responsibilities.
Under this new training programme, selected RAFP personnel will receive desk-based simulation training that will result in them learning a broader set of skills leading to increased productivity. The RAFP is responsible for dealing with a range of policing and personnel security issues, both at home stations and on deployed operations. Dublin and London-based Intuition began work on the project after a comprehensive tendering process. Under the programme, trainees have access to over 10 hours of simulation-based training, all of which is accessed from their normal place of work. www.intuition.com
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MACALLA SOFTWARE SHORTLISTED FOR GSM GLOBAL AWARD
Macalla Software, a leading provider of mobile software solutions, has been shortlisted in the “Best Wireless Application Developer” category for the GSM Association Awards 2004. The winners will be announced at the 3GSM World Congress (www.gsmworld.com) in Cannes on 24th February 2004. This nomination reflects the successful deployment of Macalla’s mobile top-up, mobile payments, content delivery and alerting software products by leading GSM carriers around the world. www.macalla.com
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SIEMENS WINS €1.5M DEAL WITH NEW GALWAY CLINIC
Siemens Information & Communications Networks (ICN) has secured a contract worth in excess of €1.5 million to provide next-generation healthcare communications technology for the new 100-bed Galway Clinic, planned to open in June of this year. Siemens is providing the Galway Clinic with a fully integrated information and communications network, radiotherapy equipment and consulting services. The communications solution will mean that all departments within the hospital will be connected seamlessly. The voice and data communications solution is integrated with the Hospital Information System so that electronic patient records can be accessed from any device anywhere in the hospital. One of the key applications provided is HiMed, which allows patients to make telephone calls prepaid with smart card technology, access TV, radio or Internet from their bedside. www.siemens.ie/enterprise/industry/health/index.htm.
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BUMPER MONTH FOR JOBS ON MONSTER.IE
The month of January has seen a record number of jobs posted on Monster.ie, Ireland’s leading recruitment website. 3,212 new jobs were advertised in the month of January 2004, a 40% increase on 2003. The increase in vacancies reflects positive movement in recruitment within the service sector of the economy. 230,000 unique visitors logged onto Monster.ie during the month of January 2004. www.monster.ie
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SEARCH ENGINE SUBMISSION SOFTWARE FOR FREE
Netcetera is offering the inclusion of a FREE copy of TopDog PRO Search Engine Submission Software – worth over £130 on all annual accounts. Submitting a web site and checking its placement on multiple, International Search Engines and Directories is a long and tedious process. TopDog Professional consolidates all of these tasks into one simple-to-use package. Netcetera’s offer covers the HOME, COMMERCE, RESELLER and ENTERPRISE shared packages. For further details and downloadable demo contact sales@netcetera.net.uk.