A round-up of other technology stories in brief.

Season of techie awards

The Eircom Golden Spider Awards, which recognise excellence in web and digital creativity, are now accepting nominations for their 11th annual incarnation. A number of new categories have been introduced, including best new indigenous website and best blogging platform. Awards will be presented at a dinner in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, on November 22nd.

The BT Inspired IT Awards, which recognise IT managers and their teams for creating business value through the use of technology, are also seeking nominations. Awards will be presented in a number of industry-specific categories, with several cross-industry awards. The awards, organised by research firm iReach, will be presented on October 25th, also in the Burlington Hotel.

See www.goldenspiders.ie and www.inspiredawards.com

Silverlight launched

Microsoft has released Silverlight 1.0, its cross- browser, cross-platform plug-in that enables programmers to deliver richer interactive experiences on websites.

Similar to Adobe's Flash, Silverlight also allows for the streaming of audio and video.

Microsoft says more than 35 partners are committed to its Silverlight initiative.

Broadband services

Digiweb has introduced a range of business broadband services which offer speeds of between 2Mbits/sec and 10Mbits/sec, with monthly pricing of €29.95 and €165 respectively. It has also introduced a range of dedicated broadband products which are available in Dublin and major towns and are designed to replace leased lines.

Science director

Science Foundation Ireland has appointed Prof Fionn Murtagh as information and communications technology director. He replaces Prof Mark Keane, who has returned to UCD to resume his position as chair of computer science.

A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Prof Murtagh is currently head of the computer science department at the Royal Holloway, University of London.