Google Buzz accused of EPIC FAIL

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) - a high-profile public advocacy group - has filed a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission over Google Buzz, the Tweetbook-esque "social networking" service that Mountain View bolted onto Gmail early last week. In its complaint, EPIC says that the new service violated user expectations, diminished user privacy, and contradicted Google's privacy policy. The group even questions whether Buzz violated federal wiretap law. The US Electronic Communications Privacy Act prevents operators of "electronic communication" services from disclosing certain subscriber information without consent - including "addressing" information - and the privacy watchdog believes this "may" apply to Buzz.

Microsoft to cough up surprise SQL Server 2005 SP4 furball

Microsoft has pricked up its ears over customer demands for a fourth service pack for its aged SQL Server 2005 database, and confirmed SP4 will be pushed out before the end of this year. "You overwhelmingly requested another servicing release for SQL Server 2005. Given your feedback Microsoft targets now such release in Q4/CY2010," wrote the software vendor's SQL Server program manager Matthias Berndt in a blog post late on Friday. "Based on current support volume as well as the fact that SQL Server 2005 will enter into extended support on 4/13/2011 we anticipate this to be the last Service Pack release for this SQL Server version. Extended support for SQL Server 2005 will be available through 4/12/2016," he said.