Blogs

Did Google break Oracle's copyright? Can APIs even be copyrighted?

Java The jury is out (literally) on the first, critical phase in the case of Oracle v Google. It's a decision that could have huge, far-reaching effects on software developers. Let's unpick it, in The Long View...
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How can an Ultrabook be just $699? Here's how...

Intel Ultrabook [Updated: More about battery life and price] Yesterday, at Intel's Developer Forum (IDF) in Beijing, we were told that the next wave of Ultrabooks will start at $699. These new, less-expensive, skinny laptops are just around the corner, apparently. But how is that low price-point possible? I've got the answers in The Long View...
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Survey: Cobol noose tightening

This year more IT organizations say they're seeing a Cobol talent shortage, and the number of programmers nearing retirement has spiked since our last survey on the subject. Insider (registration required)

That's a TERRIBLE way to fix spam

A respected email technologist has been quoted in the mainstream media as saying he has a plan to solve spam. Oh really? Sadly, it seems he's just repeating a failed idea...
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Sprint deserting sinking LightSquared ship

Here we go again. It's more bad news for embattled would-be LTE provider LightSquared. Now Sprint is kicking the company when it's down. But the consequences could be a long and expensive court battle: Bad news for U.S. taxpayers, as we'll see in The Long View...
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Five points about Apple's job claims

Apple is a job creator but not as big as the one as it claims to be
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Windows 8: The thrill is gone

It's hard to get excited about a product that's so far removed from where business innovation lies today. Insider (registration required)

Does the UN threaten Internet freedom?

Yesterday's opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal by FCC commissioner Robert M. McDowell furiously criticized the United Nations for trying to seize control of the Internet. His inflammatory language pointed the finger at imagined enemies of a free and open Internet. But this looks like a transparent attempt to stop the international community from its rightful control over a critical international resource, as we'll see in The Long View...
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CIOs: Your next hire might not be an IT pro

As IT becomes more organizationally integrated, one of the most jarring changes may be with the individual IT staffer, rather than their role. Get ready to manage IT pros who aren't really IT pros. Insider (registration required)

Lies, damn lies and Microsoft spam-filter stats

Spam! (freezelight@Flickr) Microsoft is crowing about a study that it says shows Hotmail having better spam filtering than Gmail or Yahoo. Really? If that's the case, then there's been a huge turnaround in Hotmail's spam-filtering accuracy. Is there any Devil in the detail? Of course there is, outlined here in The Long View...
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