IBM's 'Dynamic Infrastructure' initiative

IBM has started an initiative to help channel partners upgrade their business and technical skills, moving them beyond selling and implementing IT products to providing more consulting services, reports ChannelWeb.

The company is also rewarding solution providers that make the grade with as much as $100 000 in business development funds.

The effort is part of a larger programme IBM unveiled on Monday called the "Dynamic Infrastructure" initiative.

After some hemming and hawing, Microsoft has decided to change user account control (UAC) in Windows 7 to address security issues raised by Windows 7 beta testers, writes Computer Reseller News.

In a blog posted last week, Jon DeVaan, senior VP of the Windows Core Operating System division at Microsoft, and Steven Sinofsky, senior VP for the Windows and Windows Live Engineering Group, said the UAC changes will be included in the Windows 7 Release Candidate, which will follow the Windows 7 beta.

Microsoft is not commenting on the timing of the release.

Vodafone and Hutchison partners will have to wait until regulatory and shareholder approval of the merger is granted before details of possible channel integration are revealed, states ARN Net.

Vodafone said this week it will form a 50-50 joint venture company with rival mobile carrier Hutchison Whampoa, owner of the 3 brand, and offer services under the new name, VHA.

VHA will market its products and services under the Vodafone brand, but will retain exclusive rights to use the 3 brand in Australia “during a transition period and thereafter”, according to the companies.