Dear Reader,

Welcome to another edition of the Prompt Communication's newsletter. What if developers could write and compile an application just once, but run it on every major operating system? That's the promise from one startup company this week. Whether the technology lives up to that promise remains to be seen, but we're certainly very excited about trying it out when the code is release under the GPL next month.

For any feedback on our newsletter, or to discuss how we can help you with your technology PR, marketing, social media and blogging consultancy, copywriting or surveys, please email me at hbutters@prompt-communications.com. We are always delighted to hear from you.

Best regards,

Hazel Butters
Prompt Communications

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Enterprise Technology Update

By Lance Concannon

Run Linux apps on Windows

At the recent Open Source Business Conference, startup LINA unveiled its new technology which it claims will allow Linux applications to run on all major operating systems. Describing the technology as a major breakthrough in application portability, LINA says that its software enables any Linux application, developed and compiled once, to run on Windows, Mac OS and the various different flavours of Linux, with native look and feel.

The company says it will release its source code under the open source GPL and a commercial license next month. "LINA is a win-win technology," said James McGreen, CEO of Lina, "Developers get the users they want. Windows and Mac users get to run an incredible number of open source programs without having to learn a new operating system."

Disaster recovery plans found wanting

According to research carried out by AT&T, a quarter of IT departments have no disaster recovery plans in place to deal with major disruptive events such as a natural disaster or major virus attack.

The survey questioned IT managers at 1000 companies with turnover exceeding $10 million. Other findings were that 74% of respondents believed viruses and worms to be the biggest threat to business continuity, and only 41% of those with disaster recovery plans have actually tested them.

Palm launches 'smartphone companion'

Palm this week announced the launch of what appears to be yet another sub-notebook device, named the Palm Foleo, described as a smartphone companion. We're not quite sure what the Foleo does better than any of the countless other sub-notebooks which have tried and failed to catch the public's eye, but the first version runs on Palm OS, with Windows Mobile and other platforms following in the future. It's much bigger than a smartphone, much less powerful than a laptop, and costs $599 - any takers? Anybody? Didn't think so...

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Marketing Update

By Elissa Fry and Lisa Facinelli

Virgin creates time slot for free texts

As 'Big Brother' time hits our screens once again, it is no surprise that Virgin has decided to jump on the bandwagon and tailor its latest marketing strategy around 'BB'.

Brand Republic reports that Virgin, in its infinite wisdom, is offering free texts between 9pm and 10pm on 'Eviction Fridays' during this season's running of the show. Although vote texting has been abolished, Virgin hopes that its mobile customers will take this opportunity to text other mobile users during the BB broadcast - can't wait!

Growing trend towards consumer created adverts

A recent trend in advertising has seen companies hand creative control over to consumers, allowing them to create their own adverts. The New York Times reports that one campaign that gave the public advertising power was Doritos, which aired a consumer-created commercial during the Super Bowl. Heinz too is currently running a similar promotion to obtain user-generated content to be used as an advertisement.

However, the New York Times reports that this so called free content created by the consumer is actually costing companies more than if they just did it themselves. Between promotional costs to advertise for the contest, manpower to review the entries, and prize money this is no scam created by lazy advertising executives. On the bright side, this promotional style keeps consumers interacting and invested in their brand of choice.

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US Media Report

By Tarryn Morley

Apple Inc. has struck a deal with YouTube that will allow Apple TV owners to view and save videos directly on YouTube through their TVs. Apple Inc. Apple released Apple TV, a digital-television box that transmits movies and shows wirelessly to widescreen sets, two months ago.

After more than 30 years of writing for the newspaper, Al Martinez will pen his last column for the LA Times on June 1^st. Martinez is one of several LA Times writers taking increasingly controversial buyouts at the newspaper.

Patrician Kranz, who is currently the national news editor at BusinessWeek, will be moving to the New York Times on June 18^th. She will take on the role of deputy editor of Sunday Business section at the Times.

The new site, switched.com, provides the average consumer with jargon-free information and news on technology and a variety of gadgets. It also includes celebrity interviews, editor's picks, "Tech Q&A", and "Hype Check", which explores the value of new technology.

UK Media Report

By Annie Kasmai

Clive Webster has moved to work at Custom PC. He was previously senior staff writer at Custom PC's sister magazine PC Pro.

Jo Marchant has been appointed as opinion editor for New Scientist. Marchant previously trained at the New Scientist before moving to work as the news editor at Nature. Marchant replaces Michael Bond who left his the New Scientist in January having worked as senior editor at the publication.

Ryan King has been appointed as the new online editor of Xbox 360: The Official Magazine. King's role will be to ensure the website maintains its current high standard. King will report to the publication's editor, Stephen Brown, and will work with the current editorial team to develop the website further.

Best of the 'Net

By Sean McManus

Sleeping in airports

If you're a jetsetter on a budget, you could save a few pounds by kipping at the airport. That's the theory at least, but at this site backpackers share their war stories from airports worldwide. There's the man who was slapped with a hoover attachment while sleeping on the floor at Heathrow, and the woman who complained that the cleaning staff at LAX were 'disrespectful' as she slept on the cold, metal benches. But among the complaints there are some tips on where to find comfy seats, quiet corners (not too quiet, mind), and showers.