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ADVERTISERS OF THE WEEK

Amazon.com has reported that it plans to create a subsidiary to provide Web site services and technology for retailers aiming to launch their own online stores. The new subsidiary, Amazon Services, will try to enlarge its reach by drawing more retailers who want to sell their goods online, such as the online stores of retailers such as Target and Toys "R" Us. Amazon believes this strategy will provide opportunities for retailers to grow their online businesses faster and less expensively by taking advantage of already tested systems.

Experts have been saying that instant messaging should be a natural fit for the global enterprise, enabling dispersed employees to communicate in real-time throughout the workday. However, there are numerous security risks. Microsoft unveiled a beta version of an upgraded real-time communications platform in March, claiming that its server platform would greatly expand collaborative communications. Will this be the next generation’s e-mail? Sun and HP have also made moves to grab a piece of the enterprise IM pie.

In its continuing battle against spam and viruses, AOL will unveil new security and privacy features, such as improved parental controls and anti-spam features. Its new marketing campaign will start weeks before its release and will stress how it is addressing the perils of an always-on broadband connection.

New features in AOL 9.0 include:

a customized spam filter that will send certain types of e-mail to a spam folder based on junk e-mail the subscriber has reported,
a service that tries to catch spam instant messages by flagging all missives not from someone on the subscriber's buddy list, and
improved parental controls that let parents easily add any Web site to an approved list of sites their children can visit.

The Business Software Alliance has determined that the worldwide piracy rate for commercial software dropped 10% in 2002, attributable to better awareness, better defined copyright laws, and more specific and severe punishments for perpetrators. Every country except Zimbabwe has reduced its rate of piracy since 1994. BSA attributed the trend to the industry's success in implementing educational programs, working with governments to strengthen copyright laws and emphasizing good software asset management businesses practices that contribute to a safe and legal digital world. A consumer-oriented group, BSA informs the public on such topics as software management and copyright protection, cyber security, trade and e-commerce. Its member companies include some of the largest software businesses in the world, including Apple, Macromedia, and Microsoft

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