MaSSSoftech

BRUSSELS — European Union regulators on Thursday launched an antitrust probe into U.S. software maker Oracle Corp.'s takeover of Sun Microsystems Inc., saying they wanted to make sure Oracle was committed to developing Sun's rival open-source database software MySQL.

EU approval is now the main stumbling block for the US$7.4-billion deal which has already been cleared in the U.S. by the Department of Justice.

The European Commission now has 90 days — until Jan. 19, 2010 — before it makes a final decision to clear the deal or block it. It often presses companies to make changes that eliminate antitrust worries, such as selling off parts of their business.

EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said Thursday that regulators needed to examine the effect of a deal "when the world's biggest proprietary database company proposes to take over the world's leading open-source database company."
She said the EU executive wanted to check that customers won't see less choice or higher prices as a result — and was keen to make sure that open-source software continues to rival larger companies that develop their own code and don't share it with others.

EU officials said they plan to look closely at Sun's MySQL database, an open-source product that is popular among Web-based companies. They claim that MySQL will increasingly pose a threat to Oracle's market-leading database software as it adds features and attracts more customers.

EU spokesman Jonathan Todd said a key issue for regulators "is the extent to which open source software developers would be able to continue to develop products based on the open source MySQL database."

Officials also said they would examine "Oracle's incentive to further develop MySQL as an open source database" because it was important that customers are able to choose between open source and proprietary software.

"In the current economic context, all companies are looking for cost-effective IT solutions, and systems based on open-source software are increasingly emerging as viable alternatives to proprietary solutions," Kroes said. "The commission has to ensure that such alternatives would continue to be available."

Todd said the EU was merely matching the U.S. in launching an in-depth investigation into the takeover. However, the EU will not join the Department of Justice in looking at other developers' access to Sun's open-source web programming language Java.

"We've looked closely at the effects on the development of Java and we don't have any competition concerns there," he said.

Todd stressed that the EU will use coming weeks to weigh up "serious doubts" about the deal — but that it could pass EU scrutiny unhindered.

"Clearly one possible outcome would be that the commission's concerns, on the basis of the in-depth investigation, would prove to be not well-founded, in which case we would be able to clear the deal," he told reporters.

The alternative — if the EU finds that its worries are justified — would be for the companies to offer remedies to soothe those concerns, such as selling off MySQL or making binding commitments so that rival developers could still base software on MySQL code.

The EU described the database market as "highly concentrated" with the three main proprietary software companies — Oracle, IBM and Microsoft — controlling some 85 per cent of the market by revenue.

Peter Alexiadis, a partner at the Brussels office of law firm Gibson, Dunn&Crutcher LLP, said he was surprised that the EU was taking a different tack from the U.S. on the deal.

"If ever there was a case for the U.S. and the EU seeing eye to eye, I would have imagined that this was an appropriate one," he said, saying he was "hard pressed" to see how the deal would strengthen Oracle's position in a global and very varied database market.

"If the commission goes down the path of defining narrow database markets, they might be going down a path they may regret," he said. "There is plenty of competition in the middleware space, and that should shut down that line of argument."

Oracle's bid for Sun marks new territory for the company, turning it into a one-stop technology shop, like IBM Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co.

It is already expanding aggressively outside its core database software business by moving into business applications and will start making hardware if the Sun deal goes through. Sun is the world's No. 4 maker of computer servers, which power websites and corporate back offices.

Unisys to Compete for a Broad Range of Task Orders Worth up to $500 Million
BLUE BELL, Pa.--(Business Wire)--
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a contract to Unisys
(NYSE:UIS) to compete for task orders under the Centralized Operations,
Maintenance and Management Information Technology (COMMIT) contract. Under the
indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, Unisys will compete to
provide information technology operations and maintenance services to support
the IT systems FEMA - a new Unisys client - relies upon to respond to crisis
situations such as natural disasters or acts of terrorism.

The contract, capped at $500 million over five years, supports FEMA`s goal of
modernizing its Information Technology Division and accelerating its ability to
quickly field IT services supporting the systems used to manage the agency`s
emergency response efforts, public alert process, asset visibility, finances and
other aspects of its mission.

Unisys, one of five companies awarded a COMMIT IDIQ contract, will compete for
task orders to provide a range of services to FEMA, including end user support;
applications and network operations support; software configuration; software
sustainment; hardware installation, maintenance, and operations support; and
technology refresh for FEMA network assets.

"We appreciate this opportunity to work with FEMA and look forward to building a
strong relationship and becoming a valued member of their team. This contract
enables Unisys to build on our role of providing IT services to the critical
agencies within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security," said Tom Conaway,
vice president and managing partner, Homeland Security, Unisys Federal Systems.

"This contract will give FEMA an efficient and flexible vehicle to obtain
support services for the systems it needs to conduct its critical mission," said
Martin Mackes, partner, Homeland Security, Unisys Federal Systems. "We welcome
the opportunity to provide to FEMA the expertise obtained throughout our long
history as a provider of IT services to the federal government and to assist the
agency in its mission to protect the nation from disasters and acts of
terrorism."

About Unisys

Unisys is a worldwide information technology company. We provide a portfolio of
IT services, software, and technology that solves critical problems for clients.
We specialize in helping clients secure their operations, increase the
efficiency and utilization of their data centers, enhance support to their end
users and constituents, and modernize their enterprise applications. To provide
these services and solutions, we bring together offerings and capabilities in
outsourcing services, systems integration and consulting services,
infrastructure services, maintenance services, and high-end server technology.
With more than 26,000 employees, Unisys serves commercial organizations and
government agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit
www.unisys.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Any statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are
forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements rely on assumptions and are
subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from expectations. In particular, under IDIQ contracts there
is no guarantee that any contract recipient will be awarded any task order.
Further, because agreements with government agencies are terminable before the
end of their terms and are subject to the availability of appropriated funds
there is no guarantee that any task orders will be awarded by the government or
that any awarded task orders will continue for their full term. Additional
discussion of factors that could affect Unisys future results is contained in
periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

RELEASE NO.: 0903/9018

Unisys is a registered trademark of Unisys Corporation. All other brands and
products referenced herein are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.



Unisys
Brad Bass, 703-439-5887
brad.bass@unisys.com
or
O`Keeffe & Company
Mary Tobin, 503-658-7396
mtobin@okco.com

SHANGHAI, Sept 3 (Reuters) - China's total telecom revenue reached 1.4 trillion yuan ($205 billion) in the first seven months of the year, a 12.2 percent rise over last year, the country's Ministry for Industry and Information Technology said.

The number of net new mobile phone users for the first seven months was 61.4 million, reaching a total of 703 million users, while the number of fixed line users fell 12.4 million in the period, the ministry said late on Wednesday.

As a percentage of total revenue for the sector, mobile phones contributed 59.4 percent, up 4.46 percent from last year, while data services, fixed line and long distance calls made up 40.7 percent.

Beijing reshuffled the country's telecoms industry last year to create three full-service carriers, pitting China Telecom (0728.HK) and China Unicom (0762.HK) against China Mobile (0941.HK), the world's largest mobile carrier by subscribers.

Adding to the more intense competitive environment following the reshuffle, the three carriers will spend a total of $58.5 billion through 2011, building their 3G networks. ($1=6.830 Yuan) (Reporting by Melanie Lee, Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

(EquityBites Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Information Technology company IBM (NYSE:IBM) said on Wednesday that Implanet, a manufacturer of implantable medical devices, has selected IBM's sensor technology as the foundation for BeepN'Track, Implanet's new service that traces the movement of its products.

With this use of this IBM technology, financial terms of which were unavailable, Implanet will now be able to trace its products, including knee and hip implants, across its supply chain to hospitals.

The company's BeepN'Track service uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to track medical devices from Implanet to hospitals. The information stored on the tags is gathered by IBM's WebSphere Sensor Events software and transmitted to IBM's InfoSphere Traceability Server software.

Description:
Plans and carries out duties related to Web/Information Technology Development. Job Responsibilities: Test the site for functionality in different browsers and at different resolutions. Decide on how images and other material will be digitally optimized and presented for the web. Write web pages in a combination of codes, such as hypertext mark-up language (HTML), Javascript, Actionscript, ColdFusion, Java, Perl and Flash, or using code-generating programs, such as Dreamweaver. Produce a design that will be attractive to the target user, has a logical navigation system and has all the features required. Enhance and maintain the companies intranet, hardware and software. Build and maintain databases. Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians on the assessment of computing needs and system requirements. Evaluate the organizations technology use and needs. Manage backup, security and user help systems.

Requirements:
High school graduate or equivalent (Required). Major and/or coursework in Information Technology or related field (Required). Bachelor/Masters Degree in Graphic Design and/or related field (Preferred). Experience and Skill Requirements: Exposure to Website and Information Technology Development. Knowledge of HTML JavaScript, ASP ActiveX and/or other web technologies. Experience installing and configuring software products such as Outlook, MS Project, Dreamweaver, SQL Server, and MS Access. Web/Database programming experience is preferred. Previous experience in Graphic Design (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).

Black Data Processing Associates and WorkForceDiversity.com have named Lilly the best company in America for blacks in the IT industry

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced today that it has been given the Epsilon "Star of Highest Magnitude" Award and has been named the best company for blacks in technology by the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) and WorkplaceDiversity.com. The Epsilon Award is given annually to the top company in the nation that promotes a workplace and environment that supports the advancement of African-Americans in the information technology industry.

"We are thrilled and honored to have received this award," said Michael Heim, senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer, at Lilly. "This award is proof that Lilly has made, and will continue to make, choices that support our dedication to diversity and ultimately offer better solutions for our employees and patients."

Lilly received the Epsilon Award at the BDPA's annual national conference which was held this month in Raleigh, North Carolina. The first pharmaceutical company to win top honors, this was the fourth consecutive year Lilly was listed as one of the top companies for blacks in technology.

According to the BDPA, a company must attract and recruit the most talented employees, clients and customers as well as realize positive financial results to be considered for this award. Eligible companies also submit a survey related to workforce and supplier diversity within the organization.

About Lilly

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

About BDPA

The BDPA was founded in 1975 by Earl A. Pace, Jr. and the late David Wimberly after the two met in Philadelphia to discuss their concerns about minorities in the data processing field. Today, BDPA is a global member-focused organization that serves the professional well-being of blacks in the IT industry. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the community. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry.

About WorkplaceDiversity.com

WorkplaceDiversity.com is the source for diversity talent. The first career web site for companies that want to recruit experienced diversity candidates, a leader in the sourcing industry combines leading technology with diversity and career information, job boards, staffing and executive search. WorkplaceDiversity.com enables experienced diversity talent to find open positions at companies that support diversity, and to obtain information and resources that will help them attain their career goals.

Sept. 3 (Bloomberg) -- China said supplies of dysprosium and terbium, minerals needed to make hybrid cars and televisions, may be inadequate for its own needs, adding to concerns that the largest producer of rare earths may further cut exports.

China, accounting for more than 90 percent of global rare- earth output, “may not have enough supply” of the two minerals as demand increases, Wang Caifeng, deputy director-general of the raw materials department at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said today.

Surging production of hybrid cars and music players such as Toyota Motor Corp.’s Prius and Apple Inc.’s iPod have driven up demand for rare earths. China has cut export quotas to shore up prices and ensure domestic supplies, though there will be no ban on exports of the elements, Wang said today.

“The rest of the world has become a little concerned” about possible export bans from China, said Judith Chegwidden, managing director at London-based Roskill Information Services Ltd, an industry research group. “Dysprosium is increasingly used in permanent magnet motors in hybrid cars like Prius or wind turbines. Demand is growing fast.”

China has about half of the world’s reserves of rare earths, a range of more than 15 elements such as scandium and lanthanum. The government started to curb output and exports in 2006 as prices dropped, and Zhao Shuanglian, deputy chief of China’s Inner Mongolia province yesterday said the country may stockpile elements in a strategic reserve.

That could force companies to broaden their search for other suppliers.

Toyota Alternatives

“We’re always exploring alternative procurement sources,” said Paul Nolasco, a spokesman for Toyota, declining to comment specifically on China’s policy. Neodymium, a type of rare earth, is used to make the electric motor of its Prius car, he said.

Chinese exports of rare earths fell 35 percent to 34,600 metric tons in 2008 from 53,300 tons in 2006, according to Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Rare-Earth Hi-Tech Co., which owns the largest rare-earths mine. The company was yesterday tasked to take over smaller rivals in Inner Mongolia to strengthen control over supplies.

“Demand is growing in areas of military defense, missiles, electronic information and green energy,” Wang said at a conference in Beijing. “Modern society can’t do without cell phones and televisions.”

China needs 70,000 tons of rare earths a year, she said. China cut 2009 output quotas of rare earths by 8.1 percent from a year ago to 119,500 tons, the Ministry of Industry of Information and Technology said May 18.

Waste

Terbium is a silvery-white metal used to make alloys and phosphors used in lamps and TV tubes. Other rare earths include neodymium, which is also used in mini hard drives in laptops and headphones in Apple’s iPod. Yttrium and europium are used to generate red on color TV and computer monitor screens.

China is also tightening control of mining for rare earths because it can lead to “serious pollution,” Wang said. To mine a ton of the material could lead to 2,000 tons of dirt and waste, she said.

The Asian country is also encouraging producers of minor metals to export processed products rather than raw materials to increase the value of shipments, said Liang Shuhe, deputy head of foreign trade at the Ministry of Commerce.

Minor metals include antimony, magnesium, zirconium, mercury and bismuth, according to the Minor Metals Trade Association. China’s Jinduicheng Molybdenum Co. is Asia’s largest producer of molybdenum, used to harden steel.

“The majority of China’s minor metals exports remain in the raw material form,” Liang said at the conference. “We encourage exports of high value-adding, high-end products instead of the raw materials.”