OTR-Group Blog

Microsoft Wants To Get A Word In

Written by prupert Friday, 21 August 2009 09:55

The much publicised ruling by a Texas judge that Microsoft (MS) must stop selling Word within 60 days in the US has generated a lot of buzz. Unsurprisingly, Microsoft is appealing the decision. The consensus is that MS will get the ruling overturned in a higher court (as it believes that it has not infringed any patents) or that it will simply pay out to avoid the ban. However, from its reaction to the EU rulings against anti-competitive product bundling, which OTR-Group was heavily involved in by providing technical advice, MS will probably change little and just pay the fine. It does make you wonder what exactly they are trying to achieve here? Is this simply a case of mistaken source code identity, or a business loosing its direction due to its size.

Such moves are likely to start other developers looking through their back catalogue and business practices, to ensure they can't be hit with similar injunctions. Whilst MS can handle such heavy fines, others do not have such deep pockets. One company in particular, makers of popular lifestyle accessories including a mobile phone and an MP3 player, is apparently edging ever closer to investigations into its business practices in the way it decides what applications can and can't be sold via its online marketplace. No doubt the EU are already looking into this practice to check that it is fair and open.

The Positives And Negatives Of Cloud Computing

Last Updated on Friday, 21 August 2009 07:47 Written by prupert Thursday, 20 August 2009 15:46

This article was published a while ago, but it is still relevant and covers some interesting points. The current hot-topic, Cloud Computing, is seemingly an inevitability for all, in some form or other, but there are those who have their doubts. A number of our clients are already involved in the technology, both as technology providers and as users. In some cases Cloud Computing is simply a new marketing term for services that have been available for many years. Whilst in others, it represents a completely new mindset and way of thinking, as well as the removal of a leash that has hindered Organisation's ICT departments for far too long. There is little doubt we will all be using Cloud Computing in some way in the future, the question is, how easy is the migration going to be?

Inadequate Public Sector Contracts Lead To £11bn Loss Each Year

Last Updated on Thursday, 20 August 2009 16:40 Written by prupert Thursday, 20 August 2009 15:36

An interesting article posted in Management Today recently, highlighted how failure in the Public Sector to properly negotiate when setting up new contracts leads to wastage of around £11bn each year. Whilst the article goes on to offer some support for Public Sector negotiating teams, in that often their hands are tied by some tight guidelines, there is always room for manoeuvre.

This article comes as no surprise to OTR-Group. From its experiences providing Contract Advisory and Review services via OTR-Legal, it often comes across situations where contracts have been been drawn up that are hugely skewed in favour of the supplier. However, with the correct advice and expert guidance, it is entirely possible to agree upon a solution that keeps all parties happy.

Welcome To The OTR-Group Blog

Last Updated on Friday, 12 February 2010 22:10 Written by Administrator Wednesday, 19 August 2009 18:15

Welcome to OTR-Group's Blog, where we publish news, views comment and updates. All comments here are merely views of the Article's authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of OTR-Group, nor do they consitute advice.

We will also be providing updates via our new presence on Twitter. Feel free to follow us at: http://twitter.com/otrgroup.