Dell Recalls Batteries
Dell Computer Corp. in Round Rock, Texas, last week announced a voluntary recall of 27,000 batteries that it said could short-circuit, heat up and potentially catch on fire. The short-circuiting problems can occur even when the batteries aren't in use, said Dell. The company said it has received one report of a fire caused by the defect. The batteries were made by Sanyo Electric Co. in Japan and are used in Latitude and Inspiron notebook PCs, introduced by Dell in June, the company said.
Visa Launches Site For Merchants
Visa International Inc. in Foster City, Calif., last week launched a new Global Data Security Web site for merchants and announced new operating policies for protecting confidential consumer information on merchant sites. The Web site (www.visa.com/secured) gives international merchants information about how to meet expanded data-protection standards related to the way Visa account information is stored. The site provides self-assessment tools as well as downloadable guides to Visa's new data-security standards and best practices.
Private Sector Gets Federal Spectrum
The Federal Communications Commission last week transferred 50 MHz of spectrum previously used by government agencies to the private sector. The FCC said the new slice of airwaves allocated for commercial use will support a wide range of services, including voice phone calls as well as "new broadband, high-speed data and video services."
Short Takes
New York-based online designer-clothing retailer Bluefly Inc. has received a commitment for an investment infusion of up to $15 million from Soros Private Equity Partners LLC. . . . More than 300 universities across North America are receiving donated Linux software and services through a program being launched by TurboLinux Inc. in Brisbane, Calif.