Palm to Close Retail Stores

Palm has announced that they would now close down their retail stores as they aim to concentrate on their core competence.

The company said that they would close down all of their eight branded retail stores, as well as its 26 stores within Airport Wireless shops.

Palm has been struggling in the Smartphone market and had recently announced their decision to not launch Foleo Smartphone companion product.

YouTube opens all videos to mobile devices

YouTube has now expanded their mobile services with the aim of making their media content available to more mobile devices.

YouTube said that their new offering would now be accessible by millions more phones which are capable of using high-speed wireless links.

YouTube is also testing a new software product which would make it easier for mobile users to upload videos to their service easily.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 launch delayed

Microsoft announced they are delaying the launch of their SQL Server 2008 until the third quarter.

The company said that they are however on track to deliver this product within the original goal of 24 to 36 months after SQL Server 2005.

Microsoft added in its statement on this delay: “Our goal is to deliver the highest quality product possible and we simply want to use the time to meet the high bar that you, our customers, expect.”

AMD releases sub-$100 graphics cards

AMD announced the introduction and availability of the ATI Radeon HD 3400 and ATI Radeon HD 3600 series, the leading-edge entry-level and mainstream graphics processors (GPU) in the ATI Radeon HD 3000 series. Ranging in price from USD $49-$65 suggested e-tail pricing (SEP) for the ATI Radeon HD 3400 series and USD $79-$99 SEP for the ATI Radeon HD 3600 seriesi , the new graphics solutions deliver unmatched value to the consumer.

Both series continue to advance AMD’s leadership by delivering display connectivity through DisplayPort integrated into the GPUii, allowing AMD to exceed current manufacturing expectations in the industry. As part of the first family of graphics cards built using 55nm process technologyiii, both series provide exceptional performance-per-watt for a quiet and power-efficient experience at unbelievable price points.

IBM and SAP To Jointly Develop Business Software

IBM and SAP AG announced plans to deliver their first joint software product codenamed “Atlantic” that will integrate IBM Lotus Notes software with SAP Business Suite. The combined efforts to create “Atlantic” will result in a new style of applications that present information and data in the context of users familiar with the Lotus Notes desktop.

This will make it easier for users to do their jobs and greatly enhance the return on investment that companies have made in their providing workers with access to critical business information in this intuitive, easy-to-use interface will enable timely, more informed business decisions.

All types of employees can benefit from increased business analysis, information capabilities and the power to run their business operations directly from their Lotus Notes desktop.