IBM to help with cancer diagnosis

IBM is working with Oxford University and the British government to build the eDiamond computer grid for the early screening and diagnosis of breast cancer, reports Reuters. The grid, which is a cluster of servers and computers linked together through the Internet, will enable hospitals and physicians to store and share mammograms in a standardised digital format. An IBM spokesperson said the computing power of the grid would be used to create a digital photo album of mammogram scans that will be available to medical experts in the UK. The grid will be the first one built entirely with off-the-shelf, commercially available technology, IBM says.

The European Computer Manufacturers` Association has sent Microsoft`s C# programming language and its Common Language Infrastructure to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) for ratification. Microsoft says the move is designed to help improve the company`s public image by opening a channel for dialogue with customers about these products. John Montgomery, .Net framework group product manager at Microsoft, says that by working with the ISO, Microsoft is seen to be behaving without reproach. Montgomery believes that being in a standards body will show customers that Microsoft is being open and honest with them. [More at CBROnline]