BlackBerry releases Mac-synching software, reports CNET News.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac allows people to sync data with Mac apps for contacts, appointments, tasks, and notes. The software also allows people to schedule back-ups, encrypt files, and perhaps most importantly, install software updates for their BlackBerry devices.

Apart from the business side of things, RIM said the software features BlackBerry Media Sync, allowing people to sync their iTunes music with their BlackBerry. According to the company, people can choose the playlists they want, and all the included tracks will be transferred to the smartphone.

Oracle has upgraded its PeopleSoft Enterprise offering, a handful of applications designed to help manage workforces and the services they deliver, states eWeek.

Those applications within PeopleSoft Enterprise include PeopleSoft Enterprise Human Capital Management 9.1, PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools 8.50, PeopleSoft Enterprise Learning Management 9.1 and PeopleSoft Enterprise Portal 9.1. The tweaks to the platform came after feedback from over 150 customers, states Oracle.

PeopleSoft Enterprise 9.1 contains 21 solutions, 1 350 new features, 28 000 pages with Web 2.0 capabilities such as chat and discussion forums, and 300 new Web services.

Two open source organisations, the OW2 Consortium and the Open Solutions Alliance (OSA), both of which represent developers, vendors and consumers, are merging with the aim of promoting R&D, distribution, and adoption of open source software, says Computing.co.uk.

Effectively, the Paris-based OW2 Consortium is taking over the California-based OSA which will become the North American Chapter of the OW2.

“There is no doubting the open source movement's importance in driving innovation both in the technological and commercial aspects of IT, but unlike " commercial" software vendors, the movement has no clear leadership or direction,” says Quocirca analyst Bob Tarzey.