StarNet Communications announced the latest release of X-Win32, the company’s flagship X terminal emulator. StarNetSSH is a SSH client fully integrated with a PC X server. StarNetSSH also includes support for the Kerberos network authentication protocol. A new IPsmarts technology was added to automatically configure X Windows sessions for changing network IP addresses.

Venali will unveil the Venali Fax Protector that detects and eliminates unsolicited faxes. Venali’s IP Fax service will be integrated into Microsoft Office 2003. Venali faxes can be sent directly from all Microsoft Office applications to a fax number, and faxes can be received into a Microsoft Outlook 2003 inbox as an email attachment.

The Australian government will gain access to the source code underlying Microsoft’s Windows operating system after signing an agreement with Microsoft. News.com reports that the agreement will enable Australian government officials to view the source code for Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003 and CE. They can also use the code to build those versions of Windows, see Microsoft security documentation the company doesn’t otherwise share, speak with Microsoft developers and perform their own tests on the code.

ZDNet reports that Scott Charney, chief security strategist at Microsoft, told developers at the TechEd 2003 conference in Brisbane that information collected by Dr Watson, the company’s reporting tool, revealed that half of all crashes in Windows are caused not by Microsoft code, but third-party code. Microsoft emphasized that products such as Yukon and Exchange Server were undergoing thorough testing–both internally and via independent third parties–prior to their release.

Earlier this week, we posted a story from The Globe and Mail about upgrading to Microsoft Office 2003. Microsoft sent a letter to the editor in response to the article.

SafeWeb released version 4.0 of its Secure Extranet Appliance (SEA Tsunami), allowing remote users to access network resources using a Web browser. Version 4.0 of the SEA Tsunami extends SSL VPN functionality by enabling access to most applications and network devices visible above the Ethernet layer 2 with a small browser applet. Layer 2 VPN access extends SafeWeb traditional support for remote access to Web, email, file, terminal and static TCP applications such as Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes.

MSNBC reports that Microsoft is cutting the price of the standard version of Office for the Mac by $100, to $399. In addition, the company is introducing a professional version of Mac Office v. X that sells for $499 and includes the company’s Virtual PC software for running Windows programs as well as the needed license for Windows XP professional. Microsoft added a feature to Office allowing access to email, calendar and contact information stored on a Microsoft Exchange server, fulfilling a long-held wish of Mac OS X users.

Got blasted by the MSBlast worm? Sun Microsystems announced the opening of early registration for Project Mad Hatter, which Sun says offers a reduction in complexity and security exposure the MSBlast worm has highlighted. The solution includes the StarOffice personal productivity suite; the latest version of Sun’s Java technology platform; the GNOME windowing environment; Sun ONE mail and calendaring; connectivity to existing Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes messaging services; and support for Java Card.

IBM announced new packages of its Lotus Domino server software, targeting smaller businesses and broadening its attempt to convert customers from Microsoft’s Exchange. News.com says the new packages–Lotus Domino Collaboration Express and Lotus Domino Utility Server Express–offer IBM’s email and collaboration software with license terms and technical tweaks suited for smaller businesses rather than the large enterprise accounts Lotus has focused on.

Venetica announced the general availability of VeniceBridge 5.0. Venetica provides tools to develop enterprise applications that connect to systems such as those from FileNet, Documentum, IBM, Open Text, Microsoft and Lotus Notes. Built with a flexible service-oriented architecture, Venetica leverages numerous industry standards, including Web Services, Java, .NET, and JSR 170.