Lotus Notes available on Linux

A business-grade collaboration software to support Linux on the desktop, IBM Lotus Notes on Linux, is available, says IBM.

EbizQ received the following details: Lotus Notes on Linux now provides millions of Lotus Notes users worldwide with software that enables an open desktop alternative to proprietary desktop operating systems.

As organisations of all sizes become increasingly attracted to the openness and flexibility of the Linux desktop, the need for secure and re-usable applications grows as well, the article says.

Last week reports surfaced of Microsoft`s plan to release the "iPod killer" in time for the Christmas holiday season, iTWire notes.

If reports of the device`s features are true, they give it a considerable advantage in functionality over the iPod. Now there is another rumour that would demonstrate Microsoft`s seriousness about taking on Apple in this space.

There is talk that Microsoft is prepared to pay record companies to allow iTunes users to transfer their tracks to Windows Player 11 at no cost. Given that iTunes users had already downloaded well over one billion tracks at the beginning of this year, that`s a huge investment for Microsoft to make to enter the market.

Hardware manufacturer Ricoh has developed an optical drive capable of reading and writing several formats, including HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, CD and DVD.

According to Arstechnica, the device will be demonstrated at the International Optoelectronics Exhibition later this month, and a read-only version could be available to OEMs by the end of the year.

A write-enabled version, which will require a more powerful laser than conventional optical disc recording devices, will hit the market at a later date.