In short

A roundup of today's other business news

Google phases out use of Windows

Google is phasing out use of Microsoft’s ubiquitous Windows operating system because of security concerns, according to several Google employees.

The internal directive to move to other operating systems began in earnest in January, after Google’s Chinese operations were hacked into, and could in effect end the use of Windows at Google, which employs more than 10,000 workers internationally.

“We’re not doing any more Windows. It is a security effort,” said one Google employee.

“Many people have been moved away from PCs mostly towards Mac OS following the China hacking attacks,” said another. New staff are given the option of using Apple’s Mac computers or PCs running the Linux operating system. “Linux is open source and we feel good about it,” said one employee. “Microsoft we don’t feel so good about.” – Copyright Financial Times Limited 2010

French may bid for AIB stake in bank

French banks BNP Paribas and Société Générale are interested in bidding for the 70 per cent stake in Polish bank Zachodni that AIB is selling, French daily La Tribune reported yesterday. “BNP Paribas and Société Générale are looking at the dossier very seriously.”

Preliminary offers are expected to be submitted in mid-June, and firm offers by end-August, ahead of a decision in September, it said. – (Reuters)

Restructuring deal at loss-making Opel

A restructuring deal at General Motors' loss-making European carmaker Opel was signed into effect yesterday aimed at saving €265 million in annual wage costs between now and 2014, labour leader Klaus Franz said. After drafting a master agreement on May 21st, EU and workforce representatives from countries hosting Opel's major manufacturing plants also signed the deal. - (Reuters)