TechWire

Summer lull in gaming industry: bring out the babes

I know this seems like a cheap post to get some hottie image on the blog, but there is an actual purpose behind it. There's a lull in up-coming games launches for the next two months. That is, except in one area: 'top 10' lists of video game babes. Everyone's at it, it seems, from IGN to Stuff and even Playboy, which is preparing its specially commissioned 2008 list as we speak (no insider information on who's in it, by the way). Ayane (pictured left) from Tecmo's popular Xbox game Dead Or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball is one of those who regularly makes the list.

Irish Army's software choice: Microsoft v Novell

Apparently, the Irish Defence Forces (army, navy, overseas peacekeeping missions) currently relies on a mix of Novell Netware and Microsoft Server 2003. But it wants to switch to one or the other for the entire force. As per today's tender:

"The Defence Forces now requires a single software reseller to supply all its standard software requirements and assist in managing its licencesing infrastructure. A framework contract with the successful bidder will be put in place for 3 years and should be comprehensive enough to cover all future software requirements."

More ancient state-funded websites

This one is fairly unfortunate: the Irish Council for Science, Technology & Innovation.

'Latest news' is from 18 May, 2005.

A state website not updated in nine years

Is this the oldest, most neglected state website still drawing taxpayer funds for hosting and other costs? As far as I can see, 'Employment Initiative' was last updated in 1999! (It also appears under the 'links' section in Irlgov.ie.)

Silly website disclaimers

I've seen some interesting disclaimers on websites before, but this one on Irishstatuebook.ie (put up by the Office Of The Attorney General) is up there with the silliest. Basically, it asks you to accept a disclaimer acknowledging that their content may be bogus or inaccurate:

"Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information/material contained on the web site, the State and Attorney General, its servants or agents assume no responsibility for and give no guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up to date nature of the information provided on the web site and do not accept any liability whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions."

PR firm's over-exuberance

There is one PR firm which seems to be unaccountably hyper in all correspondence. I think they must have a stash of this stuff in their canteen cupboards...

More of the hard/soft sell

This time with model Pippa O'Connor. The launch is for Mario Kart Wii.

New service launches

With new models. (This is for a new company called Eight:Twenty, which specialises in 'interactive advertising'. The model is Vogue Williams.)

Yourtech-orrah

I don't usually do this but these Perlico shots -- sent out today -- must be in the running for the 2008 'Lovely Girls Of Tech' PR awards.

Illegal slots in Dublin: now a tourist attraction for US airlines

Here's what American Airlines, in its 'where-to-bring-the-kids-in-Dublin' guide, says about the seedy, 'over-18s', O'Connell Street arcade (emphasis added by me):

"If arcade games and amusements are your idea of fun, than look no further than the bizarrely named Dr Quirkey's, which features a bewildering array of amusements: from spectacular aircraft simulators to highly addictive slot machines. Due to its central location on O'Connell Street, it can occasionally get a little overcrowded and boisterous, but Dr Quirkey's is a lot of fun and is popular with both children and adults."

Slot machines, of course, are illegal in Dublin.