- Hundreds of core language and subject reference content will be made available online by Oxford University Press. This will be one of the largest general knowledge resources on the web. The first phase was launched last week with the Concise Oxford Dictionary, the Oxford American Dictionary and Fowler's Modern English Usage. Subscription fee will be $250 annually. For more information, go to:
http://www.oxfordreference.com

- Apple has announced that it will add $100 to the price of the iMac because of a rise in prices of memory and flat panels. A huge demand for the iMac has run Apple into supply difficulties. The company plans to redouble efforts to meet deadlines. Also announced was add-on software that would allow the OS X operating system to communicate with Bluetooth devices. This should prove popular in Europe, where many use their Bluetooth-equipped cell phones to connect to the Internet. (SiliconValley.com, 20 Mar 02)

- New pricing structures recently introduced by Blackboard and WebCT will mean significantly higher costs for many colleges and universities using their products. The companies are trying to move from a system that charges customers flat rates regardless of the number of users, to pricing based on user numbers. For some colleges, this will mean much higher costs without additional functionality. This move may generate new interest in open-source course management projects, such as the Open Knowledge Initiative. (Chronicle of Higher Education, 19 Mar 0