Sharp PDA hits enterprise market

Sharp Electronics has released a Linux-based handheld device that supports enterprise applications and databases.

PC World says the Zaurus SL-6000 is aimed at corporate customers, quoting Sharp as saying it is designed to be an enterprise device, and not the kind of personal digital assistant (PDA) anyone else would buy.

The Zaurus is powered by an Intel XScale 400MHz processor, has 64MB of SDRAM, 64MB of flash memory, built-in 802.11b WiFi networking, and a lithium polymer battery. It also has a VGA screen and an integrated speaker and microphone.

The device supports Java and IBM`s WebSphere application server. IBM and Sharp are working together to sell the product through their respective channels.

CNet reports that PeopleSoft has quietly expired a customer refund programme it began last year after becoming the target of a hostile buyout attempt by Oracle.

The report says PeopleSoft`s programme is essentially a money-back guarantee that takes effect only if PeopleSoft is acquired, but Oracle and some shareholders have criticised the programme as a management entrenchment tactic that erodes the company`s value.

The programme`s discontinuation comes after the Justice Department filed suit to block Oracle`s $9.4 billion bid on the ground that the deal would be anticompetitive. The European Commission has signalled it may block the deal as well.

CNet says despite the continuing fight, the lapse in the refund programme may indicate that PeopleSoft is dropping its guard. However, the company`s board of directors reserves the right to reinstate the programme.

Corel is to release a Linux version of its WordPerfect productivity software later this month.

According to ZDNet, Corel says the company`s online store will begin selling a "proof-of-concept" Linux-native version of WordPerfect on 15 April.

Corel says the pilot project is designed to determine the feasibility of developing future Linux versions of WordPerfect or WordPerfect Office.

The report says Corel also plans to begin selling version 12 of WordPerfect later this month, promoting tools and interface enhancements that make it similar to Microsoft`s market-dominating Office.

The man accused of using EarthLink e-mail accounts to release a flood of spam on the Internet has been convicted on charges of identity theft and falsifying business records, reports Computerworld.

Howard Carmack of Buffalo was found guilty by a jury on 14 counts, including charges that he stole the identities of two Buffalo-area residents, which he used to send out more than 800 million spam messages.

The New York state case against Carmack was the first to use a new state identity-theft law that makes identity theft a misdemeanour. Carmack is to be sentenced on 27 May and faces three to seven years in prison.