e dot dot dot 08 2009

OpSource Takes on Amazon, IBM, and Rackspace

The challenger takes on the big players with some sharp words for the cloud incumbents.

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Text Encryption

This JavaScript library provides encryption using simple, text-oriented method called column transposition. The idea is to write the plain text in block on the row-first bases. The text is then read column-first. The trick is in that the columns are not read from left to right, but in the order specified by the encryption key. Transliteration is also used.

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Sony Unveils 3G E-Book Reader, Library Tie-In

An expanded ecosystem promises to challenge the e-reader competition.

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Zune HD to Target iPod Touch With Its Own Apps

In previews, potential buyers noted the new Zunes have a listing for "Apps" under a feature called "Marketplace."

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Heavy Hitters Take Swings at Google Book Search

Microsoft, Yahoo and Amazon joining new coalition aiming to block Google's settlement agreement with authors and publishers.

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Facebook Tests Branded Virtual, Real-World Gifts

Britney Spears is the latest "licensed gift" in Facebook's expanding virtual goods offerings, which the company hopes to parlay into a revenue stream via its virtual currency system.

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Apple Accounts for 25% of All Music Sales

NPD Group finds iTunes gaining ground and looks for digital sales to pull close to even with CDs by end of 2010.

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eBay Opens App Store, Pitches Developers on Merchant Tools

Third-party apps now available for eBay sellers, giving developers new revenue opportunity.

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Are Bing Searches Still Turning Up Illicit Meds?

Microsoft is doing a better job of policing sponsored ads for illicit drugs but a new report shows some still slip through the cracks.

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Sony Plans New Kindle Rival, Adopts Open Format

The electronics giant may unveil plans for a wireless e-reader while ditching proprietary digital book formats in a new assault on front-runner Amazon.

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Google Looks Beyond Keywords

Are big changes coming to Google AdWords? At SES, the search giant drops some tantalizing hints.

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eBay, GM to Launch Site for New Cars

Embattled automaker takes to the Web in partnership with e-commerce giant to "reinvent the car-buying experience."

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Senator Mounts New Push to Legalize Net Poker

Revisiting testy online gambling fight, Robert Menendez looks to separate the legit sites from the scams in the eyes of the law.

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JavaScript New Window Link

Use this handy little script to make your links open up new windows.

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Webtrends Ups the Analytics Ante

The pioneering Web analytics company says its latest version unlocks the value of analytic data with a more visual interface.

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EBay's Skype IPO Bungled?

The e-commerce giant is trying to resolve a key licensing issue with the founders of Skype.

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