Microsoft, VeriSign in WiFi security deal

Microsoft and VeriSign are joining forces to help organisations secure WiFi networks.

According to eWeek.com, the companies will collaborate to create a WiFi security architecture based on Microsoft`s Network Access Protection (NAP) and VeriSign`s Unified Authentication platforms.

The new architecture is aimed at helping system administrators isolate WiFi-enabled computers that do not adhere to corporate security policies and facilitating multifactor authentication for accessing wireless networks.

VeriSign says it will work with Microsoft so that networks using VeriSign Unified Authentication can issue health certificates to Windows desktop clients so they can access NAP-protected networks. VeriSign will also integrate its Unified Authentication platform with Microsoft`s Active Directory user directory technology and Internet Authentication Servers.

Sony Online Entertainment has reversed its long-standing ban on selling virtual characters and items for real money, reports Associated Press.

Sony Online is to open its Station Exchange official auction site in June to compete with eBay and other sites where players can pay cash to buy better virtual swords, armour or other items for the EverQuest II online game instead of earning them through hours of play.

Sony says its internal service to facilitate trade between players will be safer and more secure than third-party auction sites.

Linux founder Linus Torvalds has launched a tool to automate the flow of updates and changes between Linux developers, after a dispute led him to drop the previous system, reports News.Com.

Until recently, Torvalds used a management system called BitKeeper from BitMover in San Francisco, but BitMover complained about efforts in the open source community to copy BitKeeper.

Torvalds says his new Git tool makes no attempt to be compatible with BitKeeper. Git, like Linux, is governed by the General Public Licence, but Torvalds says he does not expect the project to be widely useful beyond the Linux kernel effort.

Novell has released a bundle of Linux software for tech-savvy home PC owners, reports News.Com.

Novell says the SuSE Linux Professional 9.3 package includes an operating system, desktop applications and networking tools designed for experienced home computer users. The release also promises deeper functionality, improved security and easier installation than its predecessors with better resources for setting up home networks, running Web servers and developing applications.

Intel has unveiled a chip code-named Rosedale that gives access to wide-reaching wireless networks, reports BBC News.

The chip uses WiMax technology, which enables broadband connections over several miles, unlike the short range of WiFi used in specific locations.

WiMax is seen as a method of extending broadband reach to whole cities, rural areas and countries with low net use. It is also considered a potential competitor to mobile phone networks in the future.

Intel has announced a series of trials with partners, including British Telecom, around the world and is hoping the release of a chip will do for the technology what Centrino chips did for the spread of WiFi.