Yahoo updates its iTunes rival

Yahoo released a new version of its new music jukebox yesterday, adding a handful of features aimed at making the software easier to use on networks and with MP3 players, reports CNet.

The new version of the software makes it easier to swap playlists and browse the music collections of other people who are using Yahoo`s instant messenger software.

Among other additions, it also fixes bugs that marred the first release, particularly in transferring songs to portable devices. The new version of the software also has features such as support for devices that stream music around a home network, and makes CD burning easier.

Users of Microsoft`s Office and Access packages have been told they will have to install updates as a result of a patent infringement dispute between Microsoft and a Guatemalan inventor that has cost the software firm almost $9 million in damages.

According to The Register, last week Microsoft began informing clients they would have to install Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack (SP) 2 for any future deployments of Office Professional Edition 2003 and Office Access 2003. They would also have to install the Microsoft Office XP SP3 Patch for all future deployments of Office XP Professional and Access 2002.

Microsoft also requested that its clients update all current installations of Office Professional Edition 2003 and Office Access 2003 with Office 2003 SP2, and Office XP Professional and Access 2002 with the Office XP SP3 patch.

Industry experts say Yahoo and America Online`s plan to charge businesses for guaranteed delivery of their commercial e-mail could potentially leave the Internet giants exposed to lawsuits for invasion of consumer privacy, reports Red Herring.

The fee is being billed as an 'electronic postage stamp` that guarantees compliance with anti-spam legislation. It would also certify the sender`s e-mail as authentic.

Experts say the plan is "dangerous" and "dead on arrival" because it violates the democratic principles of the Internet and will have little impact on spam, the biggest problem e-mail users face right now.

OuterBay`s archiving software could help boost HP`s database performance by as much as 80%, the firm claims.

According to Information Week, by combining OuterBay`s software with the offerings of recently acquired ApplQ and Peregrine Systems, HP said its server, storage and software offerings will be bolstered, in particular for customers deploying Oracle, SQL Server and Sybase databases in addition to Oracle E-Business Suite, SAP and PeopleSoft enterprise applications.