AMD graphics go open

AMD has become the second of the three major graphics chip companies to decide it's a good idea to co-operate with Linux programmers and users, reports News.com.

AMD joined Intel in actively supporting development of an open source driver, software that makes it easier for Linux to take advantage of higher-end 3D features of the ATI graphics chips.

ATI already supplies proprietary graphics drivers for Linux, but that approach comes with engineering and support problems, and the company decided it's time to fund work to create an open source option as well.

Sun Microsystems CEO Jonathan Schwartz used his blog to dispute Network Appliance's charge that Sun's ZFS file system technology infringes on seven NetApp patents, reports Computer World.

NetApp made the charges in a lawsuit filed yesterday in a Texas federal court. In his blog, Schwartz also challenged NetApp's contention that Sun had sought licensing fees for the storage firm's use of WAFL (Write Anywhere File Layout) or other technologies.

Instead, he said that NetApp contacted Storage Technology before Sun acquired it in 2005, through a third-party "intermediary" seeking to discuss acquiring undisclosed patents on storage technology.

More Philippine government units want to install home-grown, open source software for health centres, reports the Inquirer.

For two years, the Community Health Information Tracking System (CHITS) has been deployed in at least 12 municipalities, said Alvin Marcelo, project manager of CHITS.

The province of Capiz has recently disclosed plans to modernise its local health centres and is looking at deploying CHITS in four areas, Marcelo said.