A new flaw found in Microsoft Corp.'s Windows software could be exploited to cause a denial- of-service attack on certain applications, although the bug isn't viewed as being severe. The flaw affects the Home and Professional editions of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, and four versions of Windows Server 2003: the Datacenter, Enterprise, Standard and Web editions. Microsoft said that it is investigating the flaw and that it isn't aware of any related attacks.

Motorola to buy UK firm for $193M

Motorola Inc. has agreed to buy mobile phone technology developer TTP Communications PLC for US$193 million. TTP already supplies technology used in Motorola mobile phone products. Motorola said it plans to retain the 575 employees of TTP, which will continue to be based in Cambridge, England.

SMIC plans $300M plant investment

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., China's largest chip maker, plans to use a $300 million loan from a consortium of Chinese banks to expand production capacity at a manufacturing plant in Tianjin. The company did not offer details of its expansion plans for the plant, which uses 200-millimeter silicon wafers to produce chips. The plant upgrade is part SMIC's effort to reduce its reliance on DRAM chip sales.