An alliance of five powerful computer companies, by promoting Java as the common platform for further technology development, is taking Microsoft to task for its perceived opposition to open standards development. IBM, Netscape Communications, Novell Corp., Oracle Corp. and Sun Microsystems all are moving to develop new products and technologies independent of the ubiquitous Windows operating system. The system then automatically alerts the editors, via e-mail, that new material has arrived, to be reviewed and made available to readers. Twelve editors and 120 scholars thus far have contributed to the encyclopedia, and the project's leader expects to have most entries completed within five years. Microsoft sued after the government of Buenos Aires province fell behind on payments to reimburse the company for using unlicensed software in 3,500 computers.
Software piracy is thought to be widespread in Argentina and other Latin American countries.
Paper's obituaries proved wrong for two reasons. The first is technology and economics. Over the years, paper has become cheaper, easier to use and more versatile. Therefore, people use more of it. The check survived because it adapted.