Linux option for cellphone carriers

HP and Motorola say they have agreed on a deal that will allow mobile phone service providers to run their core network systems on Linux-based computers.

The deal, building on an existing partnership between the two companies, will see Motorola sell HP computers running Linux software as a low-cost, flexible alternative for customers upgrading their wireless networks, reports Reuters.

According to Motorola, the new equipment will be available to carrier customers using the CDMA mobile network standard and Nextel Communications` iDEN network.

Hilliard Lyons analyst Tom Carpenter says the deal indicates a desire to expand Motorola`s market reach. "Motorola is looking for other avenues for growth. They`re trying this out to see if it will catch on with the carriers."

However, analysts predict it will take several years for the new HP equipment to be ready for market, while a Motorola spokesman says the company is targeting a mid-2005 release.

RealNetworks has begun a high-profile market campaign that highlights its iPod-compatible technology, a move that has brought the company into Apple`s line of fire.

As part of the print, radio and Web campaign, RealNetworks will slash its prices on music downloads as well as offer half-price albums.

According to ZDNet, the company makes use of its Harmony technology, effectively a recreated version of Apple`s Fairplay copy protection technology, to become the first company to distribute music compatible with the iPod.

Apple, which has refused to license Fairplay in the past, says it is considering legal action. "RealNetworks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod, and we are investigating the implications of their actions under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and other laws," it says.

However, RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaser has defended the company`s position, saying it was the "right thing for the industry, and the right thing for the consumer".

Symantec plans to release a patch management product that it says will enable small and medium enterprises to stay on top of software vulnerabilities, Computerworld reports.

The Windows-based ON iPatch Version 1.1 software will scan computer networks to determine which software patches those machines have installed, and automatically download and install missing patches.

At present, the product is not compatible with other operating systems, says Symantec product management director Thom Bailey. "We wanted to really focus on Microsoft because that`s where the majority of pain is in patch management in smaller shops."

However, Bailey does not rule out the possibility of offering support for other operating systems on future iPatch releases.

Symantec acquired the iPatch technology when it bought ON Technology for $100 million in October 2003.