Spreading the eastern gospel out west

Imagine a box linking a PC, stereo and TV, allowing the user to play video games, watch DVDs, surf the Web, send an e-mail and listen to music, all in one place. Global giants such as Sony and Microsoft have tried, but for Czech firm, DB System Software, the struggle ended months ago with a Linux-based system that runs just such a centre on a single PC.

DB and other east European technology firms are finding it tough to hook marketing partners in the West though, and to overcome perceptions of being a technological backwater. Like others, DB is now heading west, but translating its Web site into English might be a good first step for the company to overcome fear, uncertainty and doubt. [Reuters]

It can take forever to query multiple databases. Structured and unstructured data cannot be integrated and labour costs outweigh software costs by five to nine times. To remedy these problems, companies must find a way to access data in their native storage locations on the fly, rather than pulling all information into a centralised data repository.

IBM`s Xperanto technology is a "federated" database initiative, not meant to replace relational databases but allowing them to co-operate through an integration layer to provide users with a single view of all data. Potential applications include call centres - operators could pull together customer information from flat files, e-mail, spreadsheets and even Web services. Previous database integration tools were batch-oriented, but the latest Xperanto initiative allows queries to be completed in just a few minutes. [Newsfactor]

South African business travellers can enjoy extended notebook availability, with the local introduction of APC`s line of laptop batteries, compatible with more than 60 models of notebook PCs. The company says APC has made it more convenient for business travellers to purchase spare or replacement laptop batteries wherever they buy their other PC products.

APC also offers its compact SurgeArrest Notebook Pro Surge Protector family, available in both two- and three-prong power adapter block models, providing protection against damaging AC and telephone line surges and spikes.