Internet-based business disruptions triggered by worms and viruses are costing companies an average of nearly $2 million in lost revenue per incident, market researcher Aberdeen said. Out of 162 companies contacted, 84 percent said their business operations have been disrupted and disabled by Internet security events during the last three years.

Web companies doing business with Californians are beholden to a new state law protecting consumer privacy, and industry executives believe many sites have yet to comply. As of July 1, California companies operating a commercial Web site must post a conspicuous privacy policy on their Web sites and disclose the kinds of personally identifiable data that they collect and share with third parties, according to the California Online Privacy Protection Act of 2003.

Microsoft needs to do a better job of convincing customers that the latest versions of its products are worth having, CEO Steve Ballmer said in a company-wide email on Tuesday. In addition, Ballmer called for $1 billion in cost cutting and tighter controls on the company’s expenses.

Officials from Microsoft and the European Commission will meet with the president of the EU’s Court of First Instance on July 27 to discuss the company’s request to suspend sanctions against the firm. European Union Court of First Instance Judge Bo Vesterdorf is considering a Microsoft request that he suspend sanctions imposed by the EU executive to address the firm’s abuse of its dominance of computer operating systems.

According to a ruling late last week by the US Court of Appeals, email service providers have the right to read and duplicate the inbound email of their clients. Privacy groups claim laws must now be updated to protect Internet privacy.

Domino and Exchange may still be on top, but sales of Oracle’s email and calendaring software are growing.

The dearth of IT funding and subsequent backup of computing projects in the past few years have created an expanding number of rogue IT projects in the enterprise that are difficult to secure. These so-called shadow IT organizations usually operate under the radar of the IT staff, and as such, create potential security headaches for administrators who are trying to build a wall of protection around the enterprise.

A little-known organization of 55 of the world’s largest banks is taking action to stop online thieves known as phishers. The group proposes that online banks use so-called digital certificates to identify themselves and their customers on the Internet.

Samsung has introduced the ML-2250 Series, a line of up to 22-page-per-minute (ppm) monochrome laser printers designed to meet a wide range of small business printing needs. Expanding upon other printers recently introduced by Samsung, the ML-2250 Series includes four distinctive models that offer network and/or wireless solutions right out of the box.

ScriptLogic announced its new Consultant License Program, allowing authorized resellers and consultants to purchase software licenses of ScriptLogic’s server management tools to use during comprehensive projects.