A roundup of today's other stories in brief.
Apple profits up 27% amid strong sales
Apple Computer has posted a 27 per cent increase in fourth-quarter profit as strong sales of iPods refuted fears growth was slowing and as Macintosh computers shipments set a record, sending shares up 4 per cent.
Apple sold 8.73 million iPods, up 35 per cent from a year ago, and 1.61 million Mac computers, a 30 per cent increase from the year-earlier period, boosted by students at schools and universities. Apple said it had the best Macintosh quarter in its history. It sold nearly one million notebook Macs, up 56 per cent from a year ago. - (Reuters)
Irma targets music file sharers again
The Irish Recording Music Association (Irma) has launched another round of legal action against individuals suspected of illegally sharing songs over the internet, as part of an ongoing campaign to clamp down on music piracy.
Irma is requesting internet service providers to reveal the identities of 10 individuals found to be infringing copyright law.
As a result of legal action taken, since April last year Irma has made 52 settlements, averaging €2,500 each. It is "in talks" with a further 14 individuals and will consider legal action if necessary.
Eircom, Setanta in online sports deal
Eircom and broadcaster Setanta have done a deal that will make live sports coverage available to broadband users.
Eircom's broadband customers will be able to receive live broadcasts of hurling, football, soccer, rugby and other games free of charge.
The companies announced the deal yesterday at the same time as the telecoms provider revealed plans to add 120,000 new broadband lines throughout the State. Eircom said it would enable an extra 100 exchanges to provide broadband services in the State's 26 counties.
Accountants' body expels member
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland has expelled a Cork-based member, Brian Scannell.
A disciplinary tribunal held in September has found that he failed to provide evidence of professional indemnity insurance cover for the period from September 2002 until November 2004, contrary to the institute's rules. It found that, since November 2004, he continued to act as an accountant without a practising certificate, holding himself out as a chartered accountant at offices at 14 South Mall, Cork.
Mr Scannell, of Brian Scannel and Co, was ordered to pay costs of €6,104 to the institute.
Northdoor becomes limited company
Northdoor plc, which provides IT services to the financial services sector, has announced its incorporation as a limited company in Ireland. The company opened for business in August 2006 and posted revenues of approximately €2 million in Ireland in the past fiscal year.
