1. Google Pays $1 Billion for 5 Percent of AOL, PC World, 12/20.
Speculation was confirmed this week as Google became AOL’s white knight, leaving the other suitor for AOL’s hand, Microsoft, casting about for a partner which rumor has it is Comcast. Under the terms of the deal, Google’s $1 billion five percent stake in AOL will lead to a closer partnership between the two companies notably in relation to graphical online ads, an area relatively new to Google. Users will more easily be able to search AOL content using Google’s technology and the pair committed to achieving interoperability between their instant messaging services, AOL’s AIM and Google Talk.

2. Microsoft Lashes out at European Commission, InfoWorld, 12/22.
Gates Inc. lawyers responded rapidly and strongly to the EC’s accusation that the software giant had failed to comply with its directive on workgroup server interoperability. The Commission has given Microsoft five weeks to comply with the directive or face daily fines of US$2.4 million. For its part, the vendor’s lawyers charged the EC with moving the goal posts whenever Microsoft endeavors to comply with the Commission’s March 2004 antitrust decision.

3. Survey: CIOs Say IT Budgets on the Rise, Computerworld, 12/20.
Now’s a good time to be a CIO, according to the 2005/2006 Harvey Nash USA CIO market survey. Not only are some companies increasing their IT budgets, but 70 percent of those CIOs polled are happy in their current positions and aren’t on the outlook for other jobs. However, due to likely merger and acquisition activity, a fair number of the executives questioned believe they’ll be working for another organization in three years’ time.

4. ABN Amro Eyes Electronic Data Transfers After Tape Loss Incident, Computerworld, 12/21.
No more sending data tapes via standard delivery services for ABN Amro Mortgage Group after the company revealed a tape containing sensitive data on about 2.1 million customers went missing for a month. Although ABN Amro did eventually find the tape, the company decided to encrypt such data and send it over secure networks whenever possible in future or rely on special couriers.

5. Computer Forensics Firm’s Database Hacked, Computerworld, 12/21.
Not a good thing to happen to a company that specializes in detecting computer break-ins, as Guidance Software announced its customer database had been hacked. The database contained the credit card numbers of 3,800 people along with other personal details. Guidance is conducting an investigation into the matter as is the U.S. Secret Service.