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Construction needs cloud flexibility

Australia’s embattled construction sector could benefit from cloud based information systems that can be switched on and off in lockstep with individual projects – with the exception of those organisations based in remote areas like the Kimberleys.

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Microsoft Zune phone to challenge Apple iPhone?

IT Industry - Market

Microsoft plans to follow Apple into the MP3-player-turned-cell-phone market with a Zune-branded phone, rumour has it.

Microsoft execs are in meetings today to hammer out details of the Zune phone, with plans to release it by Christmas, reports CrunchGear.

Rather than run Microsoft's Windows Mobile smartphone operating system, the phone is expected to use a similar interface to Microsoft's Zune portable media player. Released in the US in September, so far the Zune has meet with a lukewarm response - partially because it isn't compatible with Microsoft's own Windows Media Player software and PlaysForSure digital rights management format.

The Zune phone is believed to be able to sync with Microsoft's Xbox 360 games console and wirelessly stream video from the system to the phone.

Apple's iPhone - combining an iPod and a smartphone - was announced at Macworld in January. It is schedule for release in June, but a dispute with Cisco over the iPhone trademark means it could hit the shelves under another name.