News editor Sandra Rossi sums up the incoming e-mails and despatches exclusive GBU coffee mugs to the IT insiders who get the news behind the news.
Microsoft executives were out in full force last week espousing the virtues of Windows XP. Product pitching reached new heights at the launch in Sydney with MS executives delivering some gems: XP makes "things happen faster" and is "17 per cent more usable". While these guys were obviously delirious with excitement, bankers were urged to be cautious. ANZ Banking Group chief executive John McFarlane said it is not the time to be an "adventurous banker". GBU is not sure when they were adventurous, but play if safe and spread the warning.
The Good
In a bid to draw IT to Queensland the Sunshine State is getting a face lift calling itself the "Smart State" and replacing vehicle registration with the new theme. The plates will be available at the end of the year and the tourism industry is yet to comment on the move. Moreover, students in Queensland are being sent to e-summer school during the holidays. The state government in partnership with IT companies is offering places at TAFE for more than 200 students.
The Bad
ISP BigPond has changed its name to BogPond, according to an online Telstra survey the company has sent to customers with a cable hookup. The survey asks customers which ISP they used previously and provides optional answers, the last one (and this is verbatim) offers: "Didn't have Internet access before getting BogPond cable". While some survey respondents were amused, others dubbed it prophetic.
The Ugly
Speaking to a user group conference about customising applications and how development is only a small part of the equation, a consultant told the audience: "Any fool, or at least, any programmer, can customise code." Some people just can't tell the programmers from the fools.
E-mail your hot news tips to Sandra_Rossi@idg.com.au