Today's other stories in brief
IBM launches campaign on food crisis
IBM is urging computer owners to donate their PC's idle time to a research project to tackle the growing global food crisis. Through IBM's World Community Grid, which already has 380,000 members, internet-connected PCs will combine to crunch data on how to develop stronger strains of rice that could produce crops with larger and more nutritious yields.
By simply using the PCs when they are idle, IBM will be donating the equivalent of the world's three largest supercomputers to researchers at the University of Washington. It will enable the project to be completed in less than two years. For more details see www.world- communitygrid.org.
CBS buys Cnet Networks
Broadcaster CBS has agreed to buy Cnet Networks, the owner of news and information websites, for about $1.8 billion (€1.16 billion) to boost its online audience. CBS, based in New York, will combine its news, entertainment and sports sites with Cnet sites, including technology site News.com, GameSpot.com, TV.com and Search.com. Last year CBS paid $280 million for Last.fm, a London-based social music network.
Anam wins Telenor contract
Irish software firm Anam has won a contract with Telenor, the world's seventh largest telecoms provider, which will see its software deployed to protect against text message spam. Telenor is using Anam's smart services message centre as part of a contract believed to be worth about €1 million.
Telenor has more than 143 million mobile subscribers in 12 countries and the anti-spam system will initially be deployed in Denmark and Norway.
3D exhibition at Botanic Gardens
The fruits of a 3D imaging system developed in Cork will go on display at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin in July. The 3D exhibition, called 3D Force of Nature, will feature 10 large-format 3D "portals into nature" photographed using a unique linear real system developed in Ireland by artist Jon Mitton. The exhibition hopes to inspire visitors to rediscover the revitalising power of nature. Mitton's work will also be on view at Trinity College Dublin's Science Gallery in August and will feature in the Art Space at Electric Picnic later that month, when festival-goers will be able to get their own 3D portrait taken.
New assistive technologies portal
A consortium of organisations that work with people with disabilities has established try-it.ie, an online library of assistive technologies. Research has found that 75 per cent of assistive technology is abandoned due to the lack of training. The new portal will tackle this by providing electronic aids on loan to users with disabilities so that they can assess their usefulness before purchasing them. Try-it.ie will also provide training to providers, carers and users to maximise the benefits of assistive technology.
