Open Source

There hasn't been a dull moment at Spin Master since the Toronto-based toy company rolled out SAP enterprise software to run key business operations.

There are loads of corporate open source applications

We went the open source route, and found five great and free BlackBerry apps we know you'll really like. We'll tell you about a secure password keeper; a Bloglines-based RSS reader; software that brings "push" mail and over-the-air sync; consumer Web mail and PIM services; a cool GPS location-logging utility; and a set of tools to give you more control over your BlackBerry's backlight and messaging options. Read on.

Is Apple's iWork a viable alternative to Microsoft Office? Expert Franklin N. Tessler answers this question comprehensively, and conclusively.

Yahoo, Google and MySpace have formed a foundation to promote OpenSocial - as a neutral, community-governed specification for building social-networking applications.

From cell phones, to wireless Internet access, to DVRs and TiVo, here is a list of some of converged technologies that are transforming the way we work, live and play.

Deki Wiki "Itasca" the latest version of popular open source Wiki from MindTouch was launched today, and knowledge workers - we are told - are going to love it.

Blasting Microsoft for "clear disregard of its legal obligations," the European Commission fined the world's largest software company a record $1.3 billion. The Commission called the massive fine a "reasonable response to unreasonable actions by Microsoft."

Some characterized the announcement as more of the same rhetoric from Microsoft, but others, including some open source developers and Linux experts, saw promise in Microsoft's actions.

In what is seen as a dramatic turnaround, Microsoft, said it is implementing new interoperability principles and actions across its business products to foster more open engagement with customers and the industry, including open-source communities. This should mean the end of Microsoft's patent threats against Linux. rn

Mac IT administrators can use or are using some Yahoo products and services and the potential fate of those tools should be of great interest.rn

The "good news" is salaries are three times the national median, so "full-time open source pays more."

The security vendor is calling on the public to help it invalidate Trend Micro's disputed patent.rn

Wireless technology experts say mobile apps enjoying popularity in Europe might soon appear in North America.rn

Windows Vista was hit by significantly fewer publicly disclosed security flaws in its first year than Windows XP and open source rivals in their first years, according to a report from Microsoft.rn