E-Commerce Times: Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) 
To Enter Music Download Fray
Story Highlights:
Microsoft has announced it is putting the finishing touches on its own entry into the music download business, setting up a competitive showdown with a host of already established players in the marketplace. The software giant has not set a specific date for the launch of its service, which will be run through MSN, but it did indicate it will bring the music service online in the first half of 2004. The company already is searching for a senior-level marketing executive to oversee the service.
Full Story on the E-Commerce Times
TechNewsWorld: Microsoft Opens XML Schemas for Office 2003
Story Highlights:
Hoping to shift industry focus to the company's new "kindler, gentler" business approach, Microsoft has announced the availability of royalty-free licensing of its Office 2003 XML reference schemas and documentation. Long resented for its closed, proprietary software and facing increased competition from Linux and other open-source alternatives, Microsoft is promoting integration of its Office 2003 software by freely offering the schemas -- the structural underpinnings -- of the latest Word and Excel applications.
CRM Buyer: Siebel Striving for OnDemand Crown
Story Highlights:
According to Siebel Systems founder and CEO Thomas Siebel, the hosted CRM market likely will generate $1 billion in revenue in 2004, followed by $1.8 billion the following year. If the keynote address Siebel gave Tuesday at Comdex is any indication, he wants his company to grab a huge slice of that market. That goal makes sense: According to Forrester Research vice president Erin Kinikin, the hosted CRM market grew 20 to 30 percent this year, while the licensed CRM market shrank 20 percent -- a huge market shift.
E-Commerce Times: SCO Steps Up Legal Fund, May Fight Novell-SuSE Deal
Story Highlights:
Leaving little doubt about its resolve to pursue the legal issues surrounding its claimed ownership of part of the Linux source code, SCO Group said it has set aside millions of dollars in cash and stock to pay its high-profile legal team. The company also indicated it may move to block Novell's planned purchase of SuSE Linux, saying that by acquiring the enterprise Linux firm, Novell would be violating a previous non-compete agreement inked with SCO.
Full Story on the E-Commerce Times
LinuxInsider: Embattled SCO Hires Bodyguards for Executives
Story Highlights:
The debate over SCO Group's claims on the Unix and Linux operating systems has never been polite. But now, it has grown deadly serious. Literally. Following telephone and e-mail threats to the Lindon software company and Darl McBride, SCO's president and chief executive; senior vice president Chris Sontag, and others, an unspecified number of bodyguards has been assigned to protect SCO's leadership. "It's crazy," McBride said during an interview Tuesday at a Las Vegas hotel, where he is not listed on the guest register and visitors must be escorted to his room by security.
TechNewsWorld: Spyware Targeted at Congressional Hearing
Story Highlights:
A bill to take the "spy" out of spyware got a public hearing before a Congressional subcommittee Wednesday. The legislation filed by Rep. Mary Bono (R-California) would require spyware purveyors to inform computer users of the presence, nature and function of their applications, as well as seek permission from users before downloading intrusive goods to their computers. "Unfortunately, consumers regularly and unknowingly download software programs that have the ability to track their every move," Bono argued.
E-Commerce Times: Feds Round Up Suspects in Net Fraud Sweep
Story Highlights:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and a handful of other law enforcement agencies have charged 125 people with a host of Internet-related crimes, ranging from identity theft and software piracy to auction fraud and hacking. The FBI said those arrested so far in Operation Cyber Sweep are responsible for bilking at least 125,000 victims out of more than $100 million in cash, services 
and products. The investigation began October 1st and will continue throughout the holiday season, according to the agency.
Full Story on the E-Commerce Times
LinuxInsider: Gateway To Sell and Support SuSE Linux on Servers
Story Highlights:
In its first move since being acquired by Novell, SuSE Linux announced its enterprise Linux software will be sold and supported by Gateway in a partnership aimed at seizing more of the U.S. server market, particularly small- to medium-size businesses. Novell's purchase of SuSE Linux earlier this month has sparked varied speculation about how -- or even whether -- Novell will fuse its desktop software with SuSE's servers for end-to-end Linux solutions.
TechNewsWorld: SBC Unveils Nationwide VoIP
Story Highlights:
In a move described by at least one industry observer as something the Baby Bell had to do, SBC Communications has introduced Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) -- a technology that will let customers conduct conversations using the Internet rather than telephone systems. SBC said the "powerful new service options" are just the beginning of its IP portfolio, and noted that its PremierSERV hosted VoIP product is immediately available with virtual private network (VPN) options, including network services beginning early next year.
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