Belated Java security patch issued

Just days after a security researcher blasted its Java patching system, Sun Microsystems has issued a critical update to the consumer version of its Java software, reports PC World.

The Java Platform Standard Edition (SE) Version 6, Update 2 release was made available on Sun's Java.com Web site on Friday, and is being pushed out to Java users who use the software's automatic update system, said Jacki Decoster, a Sun spokeswoman.

Sun supports four different versions of its Java SE software for desktop computers, and the company had already patched the other versions before issuing the Version 6, Update 2 release, which is the latest version of the product for consumer users.

Irish companies are increasingly looking for in-house IT expertise rather than outsourcing IT on a contract basis, Sigmar Recruitment's IT salary survey for 2007 has found, according to Silicon Republic.

While demand for IT workers is still growing, 2006 saw the need, particularly for software developers with Java, .Net and Web development expertise, being unmet.

In terms of salaries in the sector, the survey found that: Java software engineers earn between 28 000 and 34 000 pounds for one to two years' experience, 33 000 and 45 000 for three to five years' experience, or 45 000 and 60 000 pounds for over 5 years' experience.

SNAP Mobile kicked off the Mobile Rules! Multiplayer Competition at the Develop Conference & Expo for gaming professionals, reports CNN Money.

The company launched the game development contest to offer developers a fast-track way to break into the multiplayer games market and still retain the rights to their games.

SNAP Mobile intends to use the competition to attract developers to build games on the SNAP mobile platform, which works on compatible Java-based phones, regardless of manufacturer.