WRAL Tech Wire

Bloomberg news hires former IBM Palmisano as advisor

The move comes a week after revelations that Bloomberg journalists had access to some information on customers' use of Bloomberg's data terminals, including when they last logged in.

Hedge fund takes stake in NetApp, presses for boost in shareholder value

Elliott Management Corp, a hedge fund founded by billionaire Paul Singer, has been in talks with NetApp for weeks over proposals that include returning cash to shareholders, according to Bloomberg News.

NetApp is preparing for layoffs, report says

A private note from Piper Jaffray to its clients says theNetApp layoffs will total about 1,300 people and will come from under-performing operations, IT-publication The Register reports

Google's products dig deeper into people's lives

In the latest display of its technological prowess and sweeping ambition, Google is rolling out another wave of products and services that will test how much more people want computers to control their lives and enhance their perceptions of reality.

IBM to offer up 'Jeopardy!' winner Watson to software startups

International Business Machines Corp. will offer its Watson technology, which beat humans in "Jeopardy!," as a building block for startup companies making business software.

Cisco profit tops Wall Street expectations; shares jump on news

"They're focused on where they can really make a dent in their growth," analyst says. "Overall, they've gotten more aggressive and more engaged."

Google expands photo offerings in bid to rival Facebook plus music service

The search giant is rolling out a subscription music-streaming service and additional photo services in a bid to attract more users as well as advertisers.

Google plans music service; CEO Page discloses vocal cord ailment

Search giant Google reportedly plans an online musice service to rival Spotify; meanwhile, Google CEO discloses what his health problem is - difficulties with his vocal cords.

Tech truce: Microsoft embraces a Google service for a change

In a rare bit of cooperation, Microsoft's Outlook.com is giving users of its free email service the option of logging into Google Chat to exchange instant messages and engage in audio or video conversations.

 IBM opens Linux center in China, says it will work with Red Hat

Big Blue is further expanding an already large presence in China with a new Linux-focused center in Beijing. And it says the world's top Linux developer, Red Hat, will be involved as well as Red Hat rival SUSE.

IBM's research center in China

 As AT&T expands 4G in Triangle, reports surface it may drop HTC Facebook phone

AT&T is expanding its 4G wireless coverage in more of the triangle, but sources say the telecommunications giant may drop the recently launched HTC phone that incorporates Facebook.

AT&T hiring across state as network expansion revs up

AT&T says it plans to add more than 250 jobs to help expand its network across North Carolina. The telecommunication firm also has some 150 open jobs.

 Can Dell Software be a winner? Yes, but speed is crucial

Analysis: With no legacy software business to protect, and a midmarket presence, acquisition and integration strategy, the new Dell Software division enjoys an edge over enterprise software vendors IBM, Microsoft and HP. TBR believes Dell Software has the IP and team to do this -- but the speed of full integration remains unknown.

Networking groups willing to pay for your ideas

Internet2, in conjunction with Juniper Networks, Ciena and Brocade, are giving you the opportunity to walk away with up to $10,000 for a winning networking idea though the new 2013 Internet2 Innovative Application Awards.

2013 Internet2 Innovative Application Awards

Bad news for BlackBerry? Pentagon to clear Apple devices

The move would give Apple the chance to eventually compete for military market share with BlackBerry, the Pentagon's dominant smartphone supplier, and Samsung, which gained the department's certification earlier this month.

News in review: What made headlines in WRALTechWire

A look back at technology, life science and other related news as reported in WRAL Tech Wire for the week of April May 6-12.

Investor Icahn tries for Dell again with new bid

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn has teamed with Dell's largest independent shareholder, Southeastern Asset Management, to pitch a deal that would let Dell shareholders keep their stake in the company.

AT&T launches pay-as-you-go wireless service

The new subsidiary will offer nationwide wireless service to value-conscious customers interested in unlimited talk, text and data plans without an annual contract.

GSK, Merck slash cost of cervical cancer vaccine 95% for use in poorest countries

Two drug giants with substantial operations in North Carolina are drastically cutting the costs of their cervical cancer vaccines as part of the first large-scale effort to get the shots to girls in the world's poorest areas.

For common Windows 8 gripes, some possible soultions

Part of the problem is that Windows 8 tries to be all things to all people. It's designed to respond to touch-screen controls, but it also works with traditional mouse and keyboard commands. It offers a new layout that resembles tablet computers, but it also has a desktop mode that looks like previous versions of Windows. What results is confusion.