A Georgia Technology Authority database containing confidential data on more than 570,000 members of the state's pension plans was breached last month by an unknown hacker who took advantage of an unpatched flaw in an undisclosed security program. Officials said there is no evidence that the information, including names, Social Security numbers and bank account details, has been misused.

U.S. urges EU to treat Microsoft fairly

U.S. officials last week urged the European Commission to be fair to Microsoft Corp. in its closed-door hearings on the EC's antitrust charges against the vendor. According to a memo from U.S. officials, Microsoft complaints about the case raise "substantial concerns" about the way it is being treated, said a source. The memo was distributed to embassies around Europe and to EU offices in Brussels.

Smither promoted to CIO at Ford Motor

Nick Smither has been named vice president and CIO at Ford Motor Co., replacing Marv Adams, who has resigned as senior vice president and CIO to join Citigroup Inc. as CIO. Both moves become effective April 21. Smither, who joined Ford 26 years ago, most recently was executive director for global IT business operations and reported to Adams.