A round-up of this week's technology news in brief
O'Donnell appointed to Web Reservations
Web Reservations International has appointed John O’Donnell as chief technology officer. O’Donnell joins from Paddy Power where he was head of technology since 2000.
Web Reservations, which operates a number of online hostel and budget accommodation reservation sites including Hostelworld.com, plans to increase staff by 25 per cent this year and O’Donnell will oversee a relaunch of its flagship sites.
Amazon unveils cheaper Kindle
Amazon.com launched a cheaper, wireless-only Kindle this week, betting that the $139 (€106.30) price will turn its latest electronic reader into a mass-appeal device as Apple’s iPad gains ground.
The world’s largest online retailer and leading e-reader seller also revealed its third generation Kindle, some 21 per cent smaller and 15 per cent lighter than the previous version, but still priced at $189. - (Reuters)
Technology group backs spin-outs
The new Irish Technology Transfer and Innovation Group aims to help increase the number of spin-out firms created in our universities and the number of technology licence agreements between the universities and industry partners. The group is made up of the directors of the technology transfer offices of Ireland’s main universities and higher education institutions.
Broadband promise welcomed
The Telecommunications and Internet Federation has welcomed this week’s publication of the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010-2016, particularly the commitment to high-speed universal broadband provision.
Federation director Tommy McCabe, said: “The Government’s commitment to ensuring universal broadband access through the National Broadband Scheme and the Rural Broadband Scheme complements the very significant investment that is being made by the private sector.
“The commitment to ongoing engagement with industry and the regulator, to ensure the necessary conditions for investment in next generation networks, is also welcome,” Mr McCabe added.
