InternetVerizon Wireless opens network (Reuters)

Reuters - Verizon Wireless said on Tuesday it will open its network to any phone or software application by the end of 2008, becoming the first major U.S. mobile service to cave in to demands by Google Inc.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Verizon Wireless said on Tuesday it will open its network to any phone or software application by the end of 2008, becoming the first major U.S. mobile service to cave in to demands by Google Inc. Google had pushed for U.S. wireless operators to open up access to their networks by successfully lobbying the U.S. government to make that a requirement for companies wanting to bid in an upcoming auction of wireless airwaves. U.S. service providers like to keep tight controls over which devices, software and Web sites their customers use, as they often share the revenue generated. They cite concerns about service quality for unknown devices. Verizon Wireless, once a vociferous opponent to open access, said in July it would follow the new auction rules -- but with the caveat that it could not guarantee how well software it had not vetted would work on its network. In an about-face on Tuesday, the wireless venture of Verizon Communications Inc and Vodafone Group Plc said it will publish early next year the technical standards for developers to meet for access to its network. Any device meeting its standards would work on its network and "any application the customer chooses will be allowed on these devices," said Verizon Wireless, the No. 2 U.S. mobile service. "We as Verizon Wireless place our bets on what applications and devices will be a hit... [ Read more on www.yahoo.com ]

InternetIBM updates free enterprise search tool (InfoWorld)

InfoWorld - IBM and Yahoo issued a new version of their free enterprise search product on Tuesday, just weeks after rival Microsoft announced a competing product.

InternetDell to offer Google search devices to businesses (Reuters)

Reuters - Dell Inc said on Tuesday it will sell Google search devices to help companies find information on their networks.