MVTech MVTech (November 26, 2004)

By Kristine D. Dworkin
Another director atop Pinnacle

Wells Fargo executive Teresa Dial has been appointed to the board of Pinnacle Systems. She brings years of senior management experience to Pinnacle, as well as director experience at Onyx Software, LookSmart Ltd. and NDCHealth Corp.

Pinnacle's board now consists of six independent directors. Other board members are Gregory Ballard, Robert J. Finocchio, Jr., L.William Krause, Patti S. Hart, Ajay Chopra, John C. Lewis and Harry Motro. Pinnacle System's shareholders confirmed the entire board at the company's annual meeting of shareholders.

To learn more about Pinnacle Systems, visit www.pinnaclesys.com.

Just in time for the holidays

Overstock.com recently kicked its relationship with CyberSource up a notch by inking a multi-year contract. The online closeout retailer has utilized CyberSource's online payment processing for more than two years. Under their new agreement, Overstock will also take advantage of CyberSource's Advanced Fraud Screen and Bill Me Later services as well its credit card processing and electronic check services.

The move comes just in time for the holiday shopping season, a time of year often fraught with potential for online fraud. CyberSource estimates online fraud losses will increase more than 37 percent over 2003 to a total of $2.6 billion.

To learn more about CyberSource's electronic payment and fraud screen services visit www.cybersource.com.
Census of online activity, fraud

Verisign released the fourth edition of its Internet Security Intelligence Briefing, the company's annual scrutiny of Internet usage, growth trends, threats, fraud and spam.

While the study shows millions are still flocking to the Internet to shop, it determined that online crime is more organized and geared toward financial gain than ever before. More creative and sophisticated hackers are exploiting systems to steal information and identities.

There is no need to feel helpless though; those who venture online can protect themselves. Verisign's report also offers ways to reduce e-mail abuse and measures to prevent hackers from harvesting information.

The Internet Security Intelligence Briefing can be read at www.verisign.com.

Mercury releases IT report

Mercury Interactive Corp. recently tapped the Economist Intelligence Unit and International Data Corporation to look at the top challenges and priorities for information technology. The result is two global perspectives on IT's hurdles.

Increased complexity in application environments, the need for tighter alignment between strategy and business results and the pressure to deliver greater value to businesses despite flat budgets were among the largest issues facing leaders in IT today.

To get both reports in their entirety, go to www.mercury.com.
"MVTech" is a roundup of news from Mountain View's high-tech industry. Please send news items, comments and suggestions to Kristine D. Dworkin at mvvoicetech@yahoo.com.

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