The Best IT News


 

Computer Hardware from Oracle

Oracle Corp. is selling computer hardware for the first time in its 31-year history, signaling an ambition to become more than a one-stop shop for business software.

The expansion announced Wednesday by Chief Executive Larry Ellison calls for Oracle’s sales team to peddle a “database machine” and a smaller storage product, both made by Hewlett-Packard Co. Both pieces of hardware are designed to help companies fetch information stored on Oracle’s database software more quickly while taking up less space in corporate data centers.

The database machine will sell for $650,000 and store up to 168 terabytes — “1,400 times larger than Apple’s largest iPod,” Ellison boasted in reference to the 120-gigabyte media device made by the company run by his best friend, Steve Jobs.

As it wades into a new field, Oracle is aiming to undercut other hardware makers like Netezza Corp. that sell so-called “data warehouse appliances.” The Oracle-HP partnership conceivably could also siphon sales from storage providers like EMC Corp. and IBM Corp.



 

Stylish and Affordable options for the digital lifestyle

Microsoft Corp. brings the beauty of Windows Aero from the PC to the devices that surround it with its latest keyboard and mouse desktop set, the Wireless Laser Desktop 7000, designed to complement the Windows Vista operating system with its striking design.

The new desktop set includes an ultrathin Comfort Curve keyboard and rechargeable mouse, delivering ultimate performance and comfort. The keyboard features a Windows Aero-inspired translucent design, floating Hot Keys and instant access to Windows Flip 3D,1 making this desktop a perfect companion for today’s Windows Vista-based PC.

Today Microsoft also debuts the Digital Media Keyboard 3000, an ultrathin, stylish yet affordable keyboard designed to fit the digital lifestyle.

Wireless Laser Desktop 7000: The Sleek “Little Black Dress” of Peripherals

The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 brings together productivity-enhancing features and a sophisticated design to create an elegant accompaniment for today’s computers. The following are among its new design elements:

Smoked translucent border brings the subtle elegance of Windows Aero to the keyboard.

Floating My Favorites Keys deliver one-touch access to users’ most-used Web sites, files and folders. Users simply push and hold a key to assign it to the current destination, just as they would with a car stereo’s preset buttons.

Amazingly sleek, thin design complements any living room or office décor and features quiet touch keys.

“This keyboard is a perfect example of Microsoft’s focus on connecting its hardware with Windows Vista, bringing the elegance of Windows Aero to the keyboard,” said Carla Forester, group marketing manager at Microsoft. “The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 truly brings the best of both worlds together — a beautiful design and a full suite of productivity features — making it the best option for customers desiring a sophisticated accessory for their computer.”

“We are thrilled to see the simplicity and beauty of the Windows Vista Aero experience conveyed in the Wireless Laser Desktop 7000,” said Jeff Price, senior director in the Windows Group at Microsoft. “With the smoked translucent border and floating keys, this keyboard is a true extension of the dynamic design of Windows Vista.”