Call for file transfer ban

A complete ban on using physical media to transfer digital files has been called for in a recent report, which found that nearly one in five companies is still using couriers such as the postal system to send media containing large or sensitive files, states Computing.co.uk.

This is despite the well-publicised data breach caused when the HMRC misplaced a number of discs in 2007 and the publication of the Poynter Report two years ago.

The Information Commissioner's Office now has the power to levy fines of up to £500 000 on businesses that compromise data through negligence. The commissioner has also said he favours compulsory disclosure of serious breaches of the Data Protection Act, which are currently voluntary.

Davinci Virtual, a global virtual office solutions provider, says its live Web chat service has reached 100 customers, writes Earth Times.

The service complements Davinci's live receptionist service, allowing customers to convert Web traffic into sales, or provide online customer service.

"We are very pleased with the initial acceptance levels of our new service. Our clients truly see the value of adding Davinci's live Web chat application to their Web site instead of just hosting an expensive online brochure in cyberspace," says Bill Grodnik, president and CEO of Davinci Virtual.

Microsoft plans to hand out over 2 010 copies of its Office 2010 RTM to celebrate the general availability of its productivity suite, reports Softpedia.

The company unveiled the Microsoft Office Social Media Challenge Sweepstakes to US residents, providing an opportunity to win a copy of Office 2010 Professional.

“We're giving away 2 010 copies this month to contest participants on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn with our Win 2010 Contests. Challenges will be announced on these networks throughout the month,” says Doug Kim, managing editor, Office Online at Microsoft.