Skype goes mobile

Skype, the peer-to-peer phone program that enables computer users to make free calls anywhere in the world, is going mobile, reports Associated Press, with a version being released today for WiFi-equipped PDAs.

According to the report, Skype Technologies founder Niklas Zennstrom says the new PocketSkype service is likely to appeal to travellers and tourists who don`t want to pay high roaming fees on their cellphones.

PocketSkype works the same way as the desktop version, which enables nearly 10 million users to call each other for free. The difference is that PocketSkype accesses the Internet through WiFi wireless hotspots in homes, airports, hotels and stores.

ZDNet reports Oracle and Dell are expected to announce an expansion of their partnership, which involves Dell bundling Oracle`s database software on its servers.

Dell CEO Michael Dell and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison plan to host a joint press conference today. ZDNet says industry analysts have speculated that Dell and Oracle will create a new bundle that includes Dell`s two-processor servers and Oracle`s database cluster software.

The latest version of Microsoft`s Office software for Apple computers is to be available towards the end of May, reports Associated Press.

The report says retailers including the Apple Store online and Internet retailer Amazon.com will also begin offering the software for pre-order today.

Microsoft announced it would stop developing its Internet Explorer Web browser for the Macintosh in June last year, saying Apple was able to create a faster and more seamless browser through its access to the underlying operating system.

A new $4.4 billion terminal at Toronto Pearson International Airport boasts an end-to-end IP network developed by Cisco Systems that Computerworld reports is expected to enhance safety and security as well as lower costs for the airport and its tenants.

The new terminal uses Cisco`s Intelligent Airport Solutions, a network that will support all the data, voice, video and wireless communications systems for the management, tenants, vendors and passengers.

The system will merge 14 separate networks and 11 information silos into a single, more secure network at the new terminal and was developed jointly by Cisco and Amsterdam-based SITA Information Networking Computing.

Cisco says the new terminal`s IP-based network relies on more than 100 networking switches, more than 1 100 IP phones, and more than 1 000 wireless access points.