The US District Court Judge finding that Microsoft abused its monopolistic powers in the PC operating systems market has everyone talking.

As we head towards the year 2000, power has shifted into the hands of those who create new information. This means it`s no longer what you have but rather what you do with it.

The key to a successful CRM programme is ensuring that you can measure progress by defining measurable and tangible objectives.

Last week`s IT highlights included a spate of local results and disappointment that nothing on the expected Dimension Data/Comparex deal was forthcoming.

A close look at another typical IT week, which featured acquisitions, listings and a host of interim and full-year results.

This wrap up of two week`s worth of IT news includes the acquisition of Sprint by MCI World Com and EDS Corporation`s purchase of Dimension Data`s share in EDS Africa.

Although the essence of customer relationship management is not a new concept, it is clear that most companies can benefit from knowing the real worth of their customers.

Although there are many instant e-commerce solutions available on the market, e-commerce should be approached from a consultative perspective rather than a product perspective.

Last week there was a flood of local losses reported, as well as much speculation about the USKO/Altron partnership announcement.

In order to implement successful IT and e-commerce strategies, it is vital to first define the value, return on investment or business benefit your company aims to attain.

While it was a quiet IT week locally, international news included the merger between MindSpring Enterprises and EarthLink Networks to create the second largest US Internet provider.

The two acquisitions by Microsoft, Visio and Softway Systems dominated the international IT world last week.

Speculation around the fate of both Brainware and USKO was the hottest topic of conversation on the local IT scene last week.