Microsoft issues CRM warning

Microsoft has issued a warning about incompatibility problems with its customer relationship management (CRM) suite and the Windows XP Service Pack 2, reports Computerworld.

The report says Microsoft`s Business Solutions CRM application Version 1.0 running on the XP platform won`t work if Service Pack 2 is installed. Microsoft says affected customers should upgrade to CRM and CRM Sales for Outlook 1.2 before installing XP Service Pack 2.

The updates for the Microsoft CRM Server and CRM Sales for Outlook Version 1.2 are posted at the Microsoft Download Centre.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ruled that local telephone carriers can build fibre optic networks for high-speed Internet service into residential apartments without having to share the connections with rivals.

A Reuters report says the FCC has voted to free fibre networks built to "predominantly" residential buildings from access requirements that apply to existing copper telephone networks.

The report says carriers like Verizon Communications hope to roll-out fibre to residential buildings to improve the reach of their high-speed Internet service.

The FCC says the decision is aimed at taking another step toward ensuring that all Americans will reap the benefits of the information age.

Linux users frustrated that they can`t use Apple`s iTunes software and music store or the iPod music player may soon get some relief, reports Associated Press.

A program under development by CodeWeavers, which specialises in software that allows Linux computers to run Windows programs, is to include support for all three.

Google, AOL Search, and other Web search engines are aiming to make information more accessible by pre-programming responses to common searches, reports PC World.

The report says a restaurant query, for example, may be tied to a user`s location to quickly produce addresses, telephone numbers and other information about nearby places.

Search engine results could eventually be influenced by personal preferences. One such project in Google`s Lab is called Google Personalized. It invites users to create a profile and then choose the level of personalisation they would like. Meanwhile, AOL Search says it has already programmed 1.5 million custom search pages.

A special version of the MySQL open source database has been created for Linux on IBM`s Power processors, reports CNet.

MySQL announced at the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo that it supports Linux on IBM`s older Power4-based machines, the new Power5-based i5 and p5 models, and the thin JS20 blade servers.

Although Linux is most widely used on x86 processors such as Intel`s Xeon and Advanced Micro Devices` Opteron, IBM is trying to build Linux support for server lines using its own chips as well.