New Windows not for Itanium

Microsoft`s special version of Windows for clusters due out next year will not run on Intel`s Itanium chip, reports CNet.

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows Server 2003 Compute Cluster Edition will not run on servers built around the Itanium 2 chip. Instead, the software will run on 32-bit/64-bit server chips from Advanced Micro Devices and Intel.

Microsoft`s decision not to support Itanium 2 comes a month after Hewlett-Packard terminated its line of Itanium 2 workstations.

Hot on the heels of the launch of version 1.0 of the open source Firefox browser, The Mozilla Foundation has announced plans for enhancements to the product, including integrating it with a variety of desktop search tools.

A Computerworld report says Mozilla also wants to place Firefox in PCs through reseller deals with PC hardware vendors and continue to sharpen the product`s pop-up ad-blocking technology.

Mozilla says these and other coming features, such as graphics display improvements, will help Firefox to capture 10% to 12% of the Web browser market in the course of 2005.

Skype Technologies is teaming with Siemens to offer Internet telephony calls to cordless phone users, a move that is expected to spark a wave of applications built to integrate Skype, reports PC World.

The report says Siemens has introduced a USB adaptor fitted with Skype software that allows users of several models of its new cordless phones to access Skype offerings such as free calls, buddy lists and conference calling.

The Gigaset M34 USB adaptor plugs into a user`s PC and communicates with the phone`s base station to make or receive Skype calls, but this functionality is being offered only in Europe.

Vodafone has finally launched its 3G mobile services, seeking to recoup the lb16.6 billion spent on licences four years ago, reports The Guardian.

Vodafone has set a target of 10 million 3G mobile phone customers by March 2006, stocking shops in 13 European countries with its latest 3G phone models, offering CD-quality sound, stereo speakers and MP3 players, access to 3D gaming, video and audio streaming, and video phone calls.