Network World on Applications

Microsoft grows DAISY for blind computer users; Adobe wilts

2008-05-11T00:00:00Z

The release of an esoteric plug-in for a twenty-year-old piece of software normally doesn't merit much attention... except when the software is the ubiquitous Microsoft Word, and the add-on could have a major positive effect on the 1.5 million blind or visually impaired Americans who use computers, millions more like them around the globe, and, potentially, tens or hundreds of millions of people worldwide with developmental disabilities or reading problems.

Microsoft's answer to Google Sky to launch at end of May

2008-05-09T00:00:00Z

Microsoft will launch Worldwide Telescope, a tool for exploring images of the night sky, by the end of May, free to anyone who wants to use it, Microsoft's chairman said Friday.

Microsoft talks up using printers to make drugs

2008-05-09T00:00:00Z

In the not-too-distant future, people could use computer printers to make simple medicines as part of a do-it-yourself model of healthcare, a top Microsoft executive said Friday.

Five things to consider before committing to SAP

Jon Brodkin — 2008-05-08T00:00:00Z

Before you buy SAP apps, consider these five things about the company and its products.

Software error stalls validation of winning lottery tickets

2008-05-08T00:00:00Z

A mysterious software bug in 17 lottery machines used by the D.C. Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board in Washington left several dozen winning instant ticket holders unable to immediately cash their prize tickets last week.

OpenOffice.org Beta Fails the Office 2007 Test

2008-05-08T00:00:00Z

I'm not embarrassed to admit it: I'm a big fan of Office 2007. I think Microsoft got a lot right with its latest release, starting with the ribbon interface and including any number of tweaks and improvements that make my day easier. I can't say I'm thrilled about the price of the suite, however; nor the countless SKUs to choose from. Plus, I'm also a big Linux fan. That's why I always try to keep my eye on the current state of OpenOffice.org, the open source office suite founded by Sun.

SMB - Microsoft adds $3 million to small-business subsidies

2008-05-08T00:00:00Z

Microsoft has invested several million more dollars into an incentive program it recently unveiled for small businesses, hoping to make it easier for customers in that market to run their businesses using Microsoft products.

It's not your father's wireless anymore

Johna Till Johnson — 2008-05-08T00:00:00Z

Back in the day, wireless data was a neatly self-contained niche technology used by folks such as field force workers and logistics companies, but virtually ignored by everyone else.

SAPPHIRE US - Kagermann reflects on his years at SAP

2008-05-08T00:00:00Z

SAP co-CEO Henning Kagermann took center stage at this week's SAPPHIRE conference in Orlando, but that may not be the case next time around, as the veteran company leader enters his last year on the job.

OpenOffice.org 3.0 beta shrugs off X11

2008-05-08T00:00:00Z

The OpenOffice.org Community has announced the public beta release of OpenOffice.org 3.0, a new version of the free office productivity software suite for various platforms including Mac OS X.