Also: Oracle, CA go shopping; Microsoft to issue critical Windows updates; Qwest says it could be acquired
Intel and Nokia are teaming up to back the development and standardization of mobile WiMAX technology. WiMAX, part of the IEEE’s 802.16 standard, is a wide-area wireless networking technology that promises to deliver wireless broadband access over a range significantly greater than that of 802.11 wireless LAN technology, commonly known as Wi-Fi. Cooperation between Nokia and Intel will focus on IEEE 802.16e, a version of the technology that will offer broadband Internet access to mobile users. This standard is under development, and Intel and Nokia expect it to be finalized next year. Under terms of the agreement, Nokia and Intel will work together on issues related to the development of mobile WiMAX clients and network infrastructure, and promote the technology.
Oracle last week announced it has agreed to buy TimesTen, a privately held company that makes software for boosting the performance of database applications used for stock trading, airline reservations and other areas where fast response times are important. TimesTen’s infrastructure products are already used frequently by Oracle customers, providing in-memory caching for Oracle’s database. TimesTen’s customers include JP Morgan Chase & Co., Sprint and United Airlines, Oracle said. Oracle will use the technologies in its database and middleware products, allowing it to improve availability and response times for customer applications, Oracle said. TimesTen’s products are also used for managing events, transactions and data for real-time billing and call center systems. Competitors include Ants Software of Burlingame, Calif. The transaction is expected to close by the end of July, pending regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Microsoft plans to issue a total of 10 security fixes, including “critical” Windows updates, during its Monthly Security Bulletin release, scheduled for Tuesday. The company also plans to release an updated version of its Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. Though the company released few details on the updates, they will include “moderate” updates covering Microsoft Services for Unix, Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server, and Small Business Server. An “important” security update for Exchange is also planned, the company said Microsoft has deemed some of these updates as critical, meaning that the vulnerability could allow malicious code to spread without user action, but some critical vulnerabilities may be far less likely to be exploited than others, said Russ Cooper, senior scientist at Cybertrust and editor of the NTBugtraq discussion list.
Computer Associates has agreed to buy Niku, an IT management and governance software company, for about $350 million in cash. CA’s relationship with Niku began in January, when it signed a deal to resell, service and support Niku’s Clarity IT-MG software. This software helps managers evaluate investments and measure the results of projects, according to CA. Niku President and CEO Joshua Pickus will become a senior vice president of CA’s Business Service Optimization (BSO) unit. CA expects most of Niku’s other 290 employees to remain with the company, which will be merged into the BSO unit, it says. Clarity will be incorporated into CA’s Unicenter product line. CA will pay $21 per share for Niku, and expects to see returns on its investment in 2007. The deal is expected to close in about three months, subject to the approval of regulators and Niku shareholders.
Qwest is leaving open the possibility that it might be bought by another service provider. “We’re looking at every opportunity as we look at the consolidation that is going on in our industry,” said Qwest CEO Richard Notebaert speaking last week at the Executives’ Club of Chicago. “And that’s all I’d better say about that.” After losing its bid for MCI to Verizon, Qwest is trying to regroup and focus on high-quality customer service, he says. “We were really bummed out about the MCI thing, but then we got over it.” Notebaert said the repeated offers and counter offers for MCI was wearing on him and his executives. “It was an experience of heightened frustration. By the time you do it for the fourth time, it’s a little sad.”
