IBM rolls out simpler storage

IBM yesterday bolstered its storage portfolio with several new systems, including a product it says packs the power of a larger system but is significantly smaller in size.

According to InformationWeek, the IBM TotalStorage DS6000 comes with high-end functionality in a simple-to-install architecture, while its power chip architecture allows customers to add and pay for capacity as needed.

The system includes automated visual alerts for component fixes so customers can do the work without calling in IBM. The midrange system also comes with autonomic capabilities for preventing outages.

The company has also unveiled a DS8000 model for consumers with higher capacity needs.

Microsoft says it is investigating whether the MSN Messenger service outage on Monday was caused by the W32.Funner worm circulating on the same day.

According to eWeek, a spokesperson for the company confirmed there were "issues with the MSN Messenger service that may have affected customers` ability to login to the service or exchange IMs" but said the cause had yet to be ascertained.

The worm attempts to spread itself through the host`s MSN Messenger contact list, and also alters the Windows host file, adding more than 900 URLs. These are reportedly Asian pornography and gaming sites.

According to a Symantec security alert, 32-bit versions of Windows are vulnerable, both client and server, including Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. However, 64-bit versions of Windows running on Advanced Micro Devices or Intel processors were unaffected.

Sans Institute has released the top 20 list of loopholes and vulnerabilities that hackers are exploiting.

The list includes those found on both Microsoft and Unix/Linux platforms. Each entry mentions a category of software and the accompanying report fleshes out individual vulnerabilities and what organisations can do to close these holes, BBC reports.

Almost 60% of the loopholes listed this year were in the 2003 top 20 list. Sans Institute head Alan Paller attributes this to the fact that only half of all organisations bother to patch their systems.

"These vulnerabilities are like little diseases that you cannot wipe out if 50% of people do not have the vaccine."

Significant changes in the top 20 will only occur when organisations get to the point of finding and fixing vulnerabilities automatically, he adds.