Intel used its developer's forum this week to lay out its solid-state drive plans as well as talk up its Internet connectivity efforts. The partnership between Microsoft and Novell, once billed as an unholy alliance between enterprise server software rivals, was extended on Wednesday. SAP users listened to the company pitch its support service price hike. Apple and Amazon learned about doing business the Chinese way after the country's government supposedly blocked access to their sites.

1. Embedded chips to drive Internet adoption, exec says, Intel laptop platform to boost graphics, power use and Intel shows off PC, server solid-state drive road maps

Intel looks to have the first devices in a new line of SSDs (solid-state drives) ready in the coming weeks, the company revealed at the Intel Developer Forum. The 80G-byte model should debut in September, while the 160G-byte version is slated for the first quarter of 2009. Intel also used the event to promote its efforts in the Internet connectivity space, a market that the company hopes to capitalize on by offering chips that allow Internet access from assorted devices, including phones and cash machines. Intel the following day said that -- surprise -- its next low-power chip for mobile phones is being tested. Finally, look for Intel's next-generation laptop platform to offer better graphics and power management.

2. SSDs are hot, but not without security risks: Now, a word of caution on SSD security. A researcher claimed that the devices aren't as secure as imagined. While SSDs may have better data security than a standard hard drive, concerns arise with their physical security. NAND flash chips commonly found in digital cameras are used in SSDs. These chips lack fixtures that prevent them from being taken out of the casing, the researcher said. Hackers could unsolder the chips from the SSD and use a flash chip programmer and data recovery software to access the data. A chip hacker claimed to have discovered another breach by using an ultraviolet laser to disable encryption locks from fuses on chips that secure SSDs. Data arrays can then be read via traditional devices, such as ROM readers. While SSDs aren't commonly used, the technology is becoming more popular as their price decreases.

3. SAP, user group to shed light on enterprise support: Americas' SAP Users' Group held its first Web seminar this week on SAP's enterprise-level support service, which recently became mandatory for all customers, leading to cost increases over time for many. SAP claims that customer environments are growing more complex, so the additional services and cost could ultimately help enterprises and save money. Some businesses, however, question whether smaller organizations with less complex IT systems need more support. This session, hosted by an SAP marketing official, emphasized how enterprise support can foster innovation and protect a user's SAP software. As SAP gears up for future information sessions, third-party service providers are readying SAP support packages.