Datatec lists on London`s AIM

The international ICT scene was quiet last week apart from a couple of $1 billion-plus acquisitions.

Locally, the ICT market was dominated by Datatec`s IPO in London and the software subsidiary established by Dimension Data. Also, the flow of quarterly results has started.

* Dimension Data created a wholly-owned empowerment entity, Britehouse Group, which includes DiData`s 28% stake in Paracon, its 58% stake in 3fifteen and its 75% stake in Pebbletree Consulting. Britehouse will have two empowerment partners, each with 15%: Convergence Partners and Safika Holdings. The restructuring brings the Microsoft and SAP applications divisions under one umbrella.

* Datatec listed on London`s AIM.
* DataPro acquired Definity Telecom Namibia.
* UK software company EG Solutions is investigating setting up operations in SA.
* Interconnective Solutions proposed a name change to FoneWorx.
* Barry Holt, MD of Unisys SA, resigned.

Britehouse will have two empowerment partners, each with 15%. The re-structuring brings the Microsoft and SAP applications divisions under one umbrella.

Paul Booth, MD, Global Research Partners

* Silicon Graphics emerged from Chapter 11 with a new product portfolio, a new board of directors and new financing.
* Analyst upgrades for Andrew, Atheros Communications, Bell Microproducts, Cogent Communications, DreamWorks Animation, Intersections, LTX, Micron, SafeNet, Seagate Technology, SiRF Technology, Synopsys, Tekelec, Total Systems Services, Verizon Communications and Western Digital.
* Analyst downgrades for Akamai Technologies, Alaska Communications Systems, AMD, Asyst Technologies, Broadwing, Business Objects, California Micro Devices, Citrix Systems, Cognex, Computer Programs & Systems, EMC, Freescale Semiconductor, FSI International, ICT Group, Informatica, Intel, Keane, Lam Research, Leap Wireless, Mattson Technology, Nice Systems, Nokia, Open Solutions, Open Text, Opsware, Saifun Semiconductor, SanDisk, Silicon Storage Technologies, Spansion, Sybase, Xilinx and Yahoo.
* BenQ Mobile announced job losses, together with EMC, Kemet and Open Text.
 

* The possible buy-out of Atos Origin by private equity company, Blackstone Group.

* HP has overtaken Dell as number one for PC shipments, according to IDC and Gartner.

* JSE All share index: Up 2.2% (highest ever weekend close).
* Nasdaq: Down 0.6%.
* Top SA share movements: Beget Holdings (-20%), Cape Empowerment Trust (+11.4%), Control (+9.8%), I-Solutions (+10%), Metrofile (+15.6%), Synergy (+25%) and Vesta (-60%).
* Top international share movements: AMD (-19.3%), Entrada Networks (+100%), Epicus Communications (-36.8%), Exabyte (-20%), Onstream Media (+44%), Pegasus Wireless (-24.7%), RadView Software (+20%), Stamps.com (-19.7%) and Terayon Communications Systems (+20.2%).

Baseline magazine has published its list of "the 50 fastest-growing software companies". At the top was Click Commerce, a supply chain management company. Entries of local interest are Top Image Systems at number 22, Red Hat at 33, Neoware at 35 and Websense at 45.