Verizon launches Internet phone service

Verizon Communications has launched an Internet-based phone service aimed at competing with a growing list of start-up firms and cable companies targeting Verizon`s customers, reports Reuters.

Verizon`s VoiceWing service, offering unlimited local and long distance phone calls, is available in 33 US states for a standard price of $34.95 for Verizon high-speed Internet customers and $39.95 for non-Verizon customers with broadband Internet connections.

The long-expected move by the US`s largest telephone company comes as Internet calling services from competitors such as Vonage and AT&T are already facing pricing pressures.

Insurance and risk management firm Aon has signed a $600 million IT outsourcing deal with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), reports Information Week.

The seven-year deal will see CSC taking responsibility for managing and operating Aon`s US data centres, telecom networks, desktop support and help-desk services.

Microsoft has indicated that Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 is likely to be released in October, reports MacCentral. However, the launch depends on Microsoft`s effort to ship a new service pack for its Windows XP operating system.

This is the first word on Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 since Microsoft confirmed in May that its launch would be delayed.

Virtual PC enables Mac users to run various versions of Windows software applications and operating systems by emulating the characteristics of an actual hardware PC on their Macintosh.

Three masterminds of a gang alleged to have blackmailed Internet betting sites have been arrested in Russia, reports New Scientist.

The gang is alleged to have launched distributed denial-of-service attacks to disable victims` Web servers, then demanded cash to leave the sites alone in future. The gang is thought to have extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars from betting firms around the world over the last year.