Channel partners have queried the functionality and usability of the software giant’s CRM application with one partner calling the product ‘appalling’ when compared to its competitors.

Sydney service provider Multiemedia has launched VoIP over satellite broadband for customers in Australia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, parts of New Zealand and eventually even further afield.

Apple has recalled 28,000 rechargeable batteries used in its 15in PowerBook G4 computer worldwide after fears arose that they might burst into flames.

No local announcement has yet been made on whether Australian iPod owners can apply for the compensation offered to US users who sued Apple, alleging iPod batteries didn't perform as advertised.

Ericsson has showcased a developing set of converged 3G and broadband services for carrier customers and other service providers, including SMS-based security monitoring, and mobile-to-PC video calling.

Microsoft has won $720,000 damages in a copyright infringement case against Brisbane reseller Magic Computers.

Value-added resellers have emerged as the preferred choice of channel for Australian business customers seeking to purchase single-function printers.

Niche security VAD WhiteGold Solutions has signed on to become the second Australian distributor for US-based anti-spam appliance vendor Barracuda Networks.

A mobile phone reseller has been found in contempt of court for continuing to trade as Crazy Ron's after that name was ruled to infringe a rival's trademark.

ISP Unwired has added Woolworths and Co-op Bookshops to its stable of resellers for its wireless broadband service, claiming its supply problems have been ironed out and coverage is improving.

Sun's latest quarterly products announcement emphasises servers, workstations and storage in a growing push towards utility computing and lower cost networking, company executives said.

Microsoft Australia has confirmed a global rumour that the next 64-bit version of Windows XP will only be available to OEMs, including local system builders, and resellers.

Microsoft small business sales VP Steve Guggenheimer took a swipe at Linux while pushing Small Business Server 2003 to partners at Microsoft’s Australia and New Zealand partner conference at the Gold Coast on Tuesday.

IBM has ramped up its Express offering targeting Australian SMBs, releasing desktops and notebooks for that market on 11 November backed by a new channel marketing push.