Intel drops an 'Atom' brand

From today, Intel will corral all its processors for mobile Internet devices and low-cost PCs under the new brand name, Intel Atom, reports eWeek.

The platform for these devices, which had been code-named Menlow, is now renamed Intel Centrino Atom.

The two processors that make up the new Atom line are Silverthorne, which is designed for mobile Internet devices, and Diamondville, which the company plans to include in low-cost PCs such as its own Classmate PC and the Asus Eee PC.

Microsoft plans to begin new tests of business programs offered as online services, in the latest attempt by the software giant to adapt to the changes being wrought by the Internet on the traditional software business, reports WSJ.com.

The Microsoft services come as Google and other companies invest in similar services that, in coming years, could compete with Microsoft's products. The new offerings, Microsoft Online Services, are an early salvo in that emerging battle.

The business services are part of Microsoft's broader efforts to retool itself for the Internet. The company's unsolicited offer to buy Yahoo is founded on Microsoft's belief that it needs a stronger business in online advertising, which is Google's stronghold.

Dell saw a 6.5% drop in profits to $679 million in its fourth quarter, sparking fears that slower IT spending is starting to hit suppliers, says Computing.co.uk.

The company's shares fell more than 4% in after hours trading after the results were released. CEO Michael Dell said slower IT spending in financial services was affecting profits.

"We are seeing some conservatism in some IT spending in the US, especially in the financial services sector," he noted.