Symantec Corp. has issued a warning that hackers are exploiting a new, unpatched vulnerability in Microsoft Corp.'s Word software that could allow them to take control of a victim's computer. The attack comes via an infected e-mailed Word document. Security vendor Secunia ApS rated it as "extremely critical," its highest-level warning. Microsoft, however, said the attacks are "very limited."
Four lose jobs due to CA outsourcing
CA Inc. said that at least three or four CA workers will lose their jobs due to the company's decision to outsource human resources services to Brussels-based Arinso International NV. At the same time, CA confirmed that three top executives have left the company. Sam Greenblatt, senior vice president of innovation; Gary Starkey, senior vice president of CA's executive technology advisors division; and Toby Weiss, senior vice president of the security management unit, departed CA this month.
Microsoft blames Vista for profit dip
Microsoft, citing significant spending to prepare for the launch of the new Vista operating system, said that its second-quarter profits fell 28% while revenue increased 6%.
Oracle ships apps before unveiling
Oracle Corp. quietly released its new E-Business Suite Release 12 to customers a few days in advance of a launch event planned this week in New York. In a blog posted late last week, Steve Chan, director of applications technology integration, said the new version was immediately available for download.
Linux groups join to take on Microsoft
Open Source Development Labs Inc. and Free Standards Group Inc., two key champions of the open-source Linux operating system, have merged to form the Linux Foundation. The new group will focus on helping the Linux community more effectively compete with Microsoft Corp.'s Windows software, Linux's primary competitor. The combined entity will employ 45 workers and have about 70 user, vendor and university members.
Oracle Adds Linux Management Tools
Oracle Corp. has unveiled a line of management tools for Linux, just three months after announcing plans to provide support for Red Hat Inc.'s implementation of the operating system. The Oracle Management Pack for Linux includes tools to provision, patch, monitor and administer Linux server deployments. The software is part of the Oracle Unbreakable Linux program.
RSA, VMware sales propel EMC's Q4
Citing strong growth in its RSA Security Inc. and VMware Inc. subsidiaries, EMC Corp. reported a 19% increase in fourth-quarter revenue. Overall, the company said its systems, software and services sales showed double-digit growth during the fiscal quarter that ended Dec. 31.
FTC OKs Brocade's McData Acquisition
The Federal Trade Commission has approved the pending acquisition of McData Corp. by Brocade Communications Systems Inc. The FTC approval removes the last regulatory hurdle to the deal. Brocade, a maker of storage-area network switches, agreed last August to pay $713 million in stock for McData.
Alcatel-Lucent Expects Poor Q4
Alcatel-Lucent SA said revenue and profit for its fourth quarter will be significantly lower than it was a year earlier, blaming consumer and employee uncertainty about the merger of Alcatel SA and Lucent Technologies Inc. The merger closed on Nov. 30. The company now expects combined fourth-quarter revenue to total '4.42 billion ($5.7 billion U.S.), down from '5.25 bil'lion ($6.77 billion U.S.) last year. The results will be announced Feb. 9.
McAfee tool causes Notes problems
The latest upgrade to McAfee Inc.'s VirusScan Enterprise security software is causing hiccups for some versions of IBM's Lotus Notes. The problem affects users of Virus'Scan Enterprise 8.5i who are also using the R6 or R7 versions of Lotus Notes. The companies recommend disabling two settings in McAfee's software: "Scan all server databases" and "Scan server mailboxes."
Sun reports first profit in a year
Sun Microsystems Inc. reported its first quarterly profit in more than a year, on a 7% increase in revenue in its second fiscal period, which ended Dec. 31. Sun credited sales of its x64 servers and growing acceptance of the Solaris 10 operating system.
IEEE working group OKs 802.11 spec
The IEEE 802.11n working group has approved the next draft version of the wireless LAN standard specification. A release of the draft will begin shipping this week as Version 2.0. Voting on the final Version 2.0 is expected to be completed by the end of March. A new draft, Version 3.0, will be ready by the end of May.