Research In Motion (RIM) announced plans to introduce the next major release of its enterprise software later this year. BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.0 will enhance the ease-of-use, security, manageability and extensibility features of BlackBerry, providing increased mobility and productivity.

According to a recent study, IT execs are now seeing offshore outsourcing without the glossy sheen of cost savings and realizing what’s underneath isn’t always pretty.

Microsoft has been granted an extension of its May 17 deadline to file an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Eolas patent case. In August, the University of California and its Eolas spin-off won a $521 million judgment against Microsoft for infringement on the patent, which describes how Web browsers handle plug-in applications.

Microsoft has made strides in terms of improving security With the release of Windows Server 2003. About half of the customers responding to a survey described the overall security of Windows Server 2003 as "better than average" or "excels."

Microsoft’s approach to securing its internal systems is a shift away from the traditional network security model. Microsoft’s new risk management strategy for itself involves building on Windows-based security controls.

Apple is seeking a patent on a method for rendering translucent-appearing windows, technology that appears similar to features Microsoft has been previewing for its next major Windows release.

Microsoft has an answer to the problem of customers having a hard time understanding the software maker’s complex licensing program, get some professional help. Microsoft is urging customers to get advice directly from resellers or through big-name consultancies such as KPMG.

NetZero announced that it is giving away five 2004 Chevrolet SSR roadsters to users who sign up for NetZero HiSpeed.

Symantec has released patches to fix four high-impact vulnerabilities in several of its popular antivirus and firewall products for Windows. An attacker who successfully exploits the holes could render targeted systems inoperable or execute remote code with kernel-level privileges.

Part 1 of this article discussed Microsoft’s new emphasis on role-based security and provided an overview of the concepts involved in using the Authorization Manager MMC snap-in. Part 2 discusses how to configure role and task definitions, how to create role assignments within an application, and how to create and work with scopes.