O'Reilly Releases "Mac OS X Panther Hacks"

"Mac OS X Panther Hacks" (O'Reilly, US $29.95) celebrates
the Macintosh's adventurous spirit with loads of ideas, tweaks, hacks, and
code to inspire and guide serious Mac users to get the very most out of
their machines--and have more fun with them at the same time.

"Regardless of your skill level--basic user, accomplished user, power
user, or wild-eyed developer--you'll find many of the tools you need built
right into the system. Because of this rich set of features, there's a way
for almost everyone to dig and enjoy the system by hacking on it," say
authors and Mac folks Rael Dornfest and James Duncan Davidson. "Combine
this with the veritable cornucopia of third-party applications and cottage
industry of customizations, tweaks, and hacks, and you've a Mac to be
reckoned with like never before."

"Mac OS X Panther Hacks" is a collection of tips, tricks, and tools
gleaned from the real-world experience of Unix experts and die-hard
Macintosh users who know how to customize and modify their hardware and
software to meet their exacting needs and desires. The book provides
direct, hands-on solutions arranged by category: graphical user interface
(GUI); scripting; web, chat, and mail; multimedia; gadgets and hardware;
networking and network applications; servers; files and backup; and system
administration.

@Last Software Releases SketchUp 4.0

@Last Software is thrilled to announce the tenth release of our award-winning 3D design software - SketchUp 4.0!!
Our programming staff has turbo-charged SketchUp's existing tool set - resulting in faster, easier, more powerful; 3D sketching, modeling, and presentation.

SketchUp 4.0 enables users to Dream, Design & Communicate in 3D!

Leading the list of SketchUp 4.0 turbo-charged tools are:

- Follow Me: Allows users to push or pull a surface along a path.
- Texture Tweaker: Allows any texture or photo to be stretched and manipulated across any continuous surface.
- Face me: Makes 2D models of people and landscaping elements to appear to be 3D without bulking up models.
- The Intersector:™ Provides all the power of Boolean modeling without the overhead and is capable of performing multiple changes in rapid succession.
- Ruby Scripting Interface: Allows automation of almost any task, similar to the lisp language used in Autocad.

Hamrick Software release VueScan 8.0.9

Hamrick Software, a leading developer of
scanning software for consumers and professionals, has released VueScan
8.0.9, of its award-winning program that enables users to easily produce
better looking digital images from color snapshots, negatives, slides and
documents.

The update includes added support for a number of scanners including
several PIE-based scanners, and for specific models of Epson, Kodak, and
Nikon scanners. This update also makes VueScan easier to use by
incorporating an automatic photo-cropping feature that lets a user place a
photo anywhere on the scan bed. Additional improvements include new support
for Canon EOS and Nikon D raw files, improved support for Minolta and Epson
multi-function printers, while improving performance on both Windows and
Mac OS X.

Used extensively by professional photographers, film processing labs and
consumers around the world, VueScan 8.0.9 now offers an enhanced,
user-friendly interface, support for raw files for 109 digital cameras, and
support for more than 100 scanners. The Standard Edition of VueScan costs
$59.95 USD and the Professional Edition costs $79.95 for a single user
license. Multi-user licenses are available. A fully functional, trial copy
of VueScan can be downloaded from http://www.hamrick.com/ .

VueScan supports over 100 flatbed and film scanners and more than 110
digital camera raw file types, and is available for Mac OS X, Windows and
Linux. It automatically adjusts images to optimum color balance, which
reduces the need to manually do this in Photoshop. VueScan includes
built-in color calibration of scanners, producing colors that look true to
life. Supporting more than 100 brands of negative film, VueScan offers
options for scanning faded slides and prints, batch scanning, IT8 color
calibration and other advanced scanning features.

Toronto's Airport Revolution

The recently installed common-use IT networks at Toronto's
Pearson International Airport make it a pioneer among North
American airports. The new shared-services approach should
save millions, create revenue and improve passenger service.

BMG, Sony 'to merge by July 20'

European commissioners are set to agree the merger of BMG and Sony as soon as next week, despite protests from competitors, the independent labels and Apple.

EU competition commissioners could agree the merger by July 20, according to Billboard.
Once approved, the merged companies will become the world's second-largest music label, with Universal the largest.
Both parties must still secure permission from US authorities for the deal from the Federal trade Commission (FTC).

eBay embraces music downloads

Online auction giant eBay intends trialling a digital-music download service later this year.

A company spokesperson said: "eBay is conducting an 180-day pilot in the Music category with pre-approved sellers of downloadable digital music files

Online media 'will generate $7bn by '08?

Online media services such as Apple's iTunes Music Store are set to generate nearly $7 billion in revenues by 2008, analysts predict.

Digital Tech Consulting's (DTC) new report 'Online Media Services: Forecasts, Business Models and Analysis' shows that exponential growth, driven by a variety of new revenue streams, including premium subscription and per-unit content sales will drive the industry.

DTC senior analyst Antonette Goroch said: "With more than 90 million broadband Internet subscribers worldwide, theevolution of digital rights management and more clearly defined legal boundaries, a fertile market is beginning to take root".

Revenues from online music and movies totalled just $250 million in 2003, the report claims. The analysts also predict that online media sales over the next five years will be dominated by per-unit content sales, such as iTunes' à la carte model.

The picture is different when it comes to video and movie content, with subscription sales making up the majority for the next several years," said Goroch.

"Streaming-based video subscriptions are the norm with content primarily repurposed from broadcast TV. Movies are predominately distributed through a per-unit sales model, but make a small percentage of both users and revenues due to immature services with limited catalogues."

Boston Expo: Best of show

Macworld US has announced its Best of Show awards for Macworld Conference & Expo 2004 in Boston.
To be eligible for an award products must either be making their debut at the show or be recently introduced and creating a buzz.

In the winner's enclosure are Native Instruments, Parliant, Harman Multimedia, @Last Software, and Gee Three.

Native Instruments wins for its new Guitar Rig software, which transforms a Mac into a high-end guitar effects, amplification and virtual effects set-up. It ships with a foot controller that lets guitarists activate these effects.

Parliant's PhoneValet Message Center also won praise. This product extends the Mac into a telephone answering service, with voicemail, Caller ID, call recording and faxing. It uses a USB interface that connects to the phone line.

Harman Multimedia's JBL On Stage (which ships in September in Europe), is a powerful portable set of 12W external speakers for iPod. It works with all three generations of iPod, and can recharge them.



@Last Software's SketchUp 4.0 introduces new features to make it easier for architects and other 3D designers to create projects. These include tools to push or pull a surface along a path, a feature that applies textures or photos across surfaces.



Gee Three's latest collection of Slick Transitions and Effects for iMovie (volumes 7 and 8) also won praise from Macworld US editors.

AirPort Express ships, 80,000 pre-orders

Apple has begun shipping AirPort Express, and has received 80,000 pre-orders for the product.
AirPort Express is the world's first 802.11g mobile base station that features wireless Internet connections and USB printing.

It also offers both analogue and digital audio outputs that can be connected to a home stereo, and together with AirTunes music-networking software gives users a simple and inexpensive way to wirelessly stream music from iTunes on their Mac or PC to any room in the house.

Apple $61m profits music to Wall Street

Apple announced its highest third-quarter results for eight years last night, returning a net profit of $61 million, or $0.16 per diluted share.
These results exceeded Wall Street expectations: analysts polled by Reuters Estimates had predicted the company would achieve $0.15 per diluted share.
These results compare to a net profit of $19 million in the year-ago quarter. Revenue was above Apple's own expectations of $1.925 billion, closing at $2.014 billion, up 30 per cent from the year-ago quarter. These results included an after-tax restructuring charge of $6 million, without which the company's net profit for the quarter would have stood at $67 million.
The company's gross margin remained steady at 27.8 per cent (as in the third quarter), itself up from the 27.7 per cent margin Apple saw in the year-ago quarter.

New iMacs 'will be G5'

Apple's forthcoming new iMac will be based on a G5 processor, the company revealed last night.
Speaking to analysts, chief financial officer Peter Oppenheimer confirmed the new iMac - scheduled to ship in September - will be based on a G5. He added that the delay in shipping the new Mac has been cause by supply problems of the processor, which is manufactured by IBM in New York.

XtremeMac announces the Xtremity Accessory Kit for iPod mini

XtremeMac, the premier accessory manufacturer for Apple Computer's iPod, is proud to announce the Xtremity Accessory Kit for iPod mini. The Xtremity Accessory Kit will change where and how you carry your iPod mini.

This all inclusive kit centers on the Xtremity mini Snap- on Clip which features our innovative Secure-Slide accessory mounting slot. This Secure-Slide system, first included in our original Xtremity case for Dock Connector iPods, forms the basis for integration with other accessories such as the included Swivel Belt Clip, Dash Mount, Neck Strap and much more.
The Snap-on Clip securely attaches to the back of your mini just like the standard Apple Belt Clip, without interfering with the face of the mini. The Clip is made out of high-strength Lexan, an incredibly durable, scratch resistant material, and is white to complement any of the iPod minis. The clip features gray rubber accent strips both inside and outside, to cushion and protect the iPod.

Most cases that allow for the use of other attachments have a post built into the case. Our Xtremity Snap-on Clip is completely flat in back, allowing the case to lie flat while not being worn. A recessed channel in the back of the Xtremity case allows for the addition of accessories. The included accessories allow you to take your mini with you wherever you go. The Neck Strap is a great way to keep your lightweight iPod mini handy. It's perfect for working around the house, strolling through the park, or flying cross country. The Neck Strap is very comfortable, and comes in silver to complement any of the iPod minis.

The Xtra-Secure Swivel Belt clip provides a safe and comfortable way to attach, and quickly remove the iPod mini to and from your belt, waistband, gym bag or purse. Its security features, such as an interlocking J- hook, and press-to-release action, prevent typical belt- clip problems, such as accidental pop outs.

The two included adhesive Dash Mounts can be used to mount your iPod on your car's dashboard. or any other flat surface such as a monitor.

The Xtremity Accessory Kit for iPod mini includes:
· Xtremity Snap-on Clip
· Xtremity Neck Strap
· Xtremity Swivel Belt Clip
· (2) Xtremity Low-profile Dash Mounts


The complete package sells at a suggested retail price of $29.95 U.S., and will be available for pre-ordering from our website immediately. It will also be available in Apple retail stores, at The Apple Store at http:// store.Apple.com, and through our network of national and international resellers and distributors by mid July. XtremeMac, located in Florida, debuted its line of Apple accessories in January 2002, at Macworld Expo. In addition to iPod accessories, XtremeMac also manufactures a full line of pro and consumer accessories for the Apple product line. XtremeMac products can be purchased online at www.XtremeMac.com, or at The Apple Store, and their network of resellers and distributors. XtremeMac backs all of its products with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

McAfee, Inc. Receives Frost & Sullivan Intrusion Detection and Prevention Technology Leadership Award

McAfee, Inc. (NYSE:MFE) , the leading provider of intrusion prevention solutions, today announced that it is the winner of the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Technology Leadership Award for intrusion detection and intrusion prevention (IDS/IPS). The Frost & Sullivan Award is bestowed each year upon the company that has demonstrated excellence in technology leadership within their industry. Frost & Sullivan evaluated and scored several companies, and McAfee, Inc. beat competitors based on the company's ability to clearly demonstrate its excellence in technology development, from initial concepts and new product innovation to continuous refinement and improvement. McAfee offers both host and network intrusion prevention solutions with McAfee(R) Entercept(R) and McAfee(R) IntruShield(R), respectively.

"McAfee's technology advancements have risen above all other intrusion detection and prevention solutions, continuing to set trends for others to follow," said Jason Wright, industry analyst for Security Technologies at Frost & Sullivan. "The company has demonstrated a complete dedication to the core values of network security."

On2 Technologies Demonstrates TrueMotion Streaming Java Applet Software

Product Enables High-Quality Video to Be Embedded in Web Pages

On2 Technologies (AMEX:ONT) today announced that they are offering an online demonstration of its TrueMotion Streaming Java Applet software. The TrueMotion Streaming Java Applet software enables video encoded in On2's revolutionary TrueMotion compression technologies to be embedded in Web pages and played back with browsers that support the Java Virtual Machine. The TrueMotion Applet features video and audio playback, HTTP streaming to accommodate users behind network firewalls, hyperlinking from the video to a Web URL, and custom logo/re-branding options. The TrueMotion Streaming Java Applet software offers several advantages over competing technologies. Because a Java Virtual Machine exists on almost all PCs in use today, the TrueMotion Applet does not require the user to download and install any player software. Also, because Java was designed with security as a top priority, the TrueMotion Applet is not vulnerable to the many security problems and viruses that are associated with Internet video technologies that rely on Microsoft's ActiveX technology.

The company will initially target the TrueMotion Streaming Java Applet at the online advertising market.

"The TrueMotion Streaming Java Applet will further expand the number of platforms on which customers can deploy high-quality TrueMotion video," said Douglas A. McIntyre, Chairman, President, and CEO of On2 Technologies. "Given the near ubiquity of Java in devices ranging from PC browsers to mobile telephones to set-top boxes, we foresee great opportunities for our TrueMotion Applet technology."



The TrueMotion Streaming Java Applet public beta demonstration can be viewed online at http://www.on2.com/applet/. The final Java Applet will be available in two weeks. Those interested in licensing the TrueMotion Streaming Java Applet software should contact sales@on2.com.

Continental Airlines Offers Free Wireless Internet Access in All Presidents Clubs in the U.S.

Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL) today announced that it is offering free wireless Internet access in all of its Presidents Clubs in the United States, except at Chicago where it shares a club with Northwest Airlines. The company expects to expand the service to its international clubs by the end of 2004. The service, powered by Cisco Systems network equipment, enables any Presidents Club member with a 802.11b Wi-Fi enabled computer or client card to access the Internet from anywhere in the club. Continental will have informational handouts available to help members log in to the service.

"Our members want to stay connected at all times during their travel," said a Continental spokesperson. "The free Wi-Fi service in our clubs complements Verizon Airfone's JetConnect service onboard the aircraft and gives members the ability to stay in touch on the ground and in the air."

Eminem, Shady Records, Interscope and SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Launch Exclusive Radio Channel

Groundbreaking Channel to Be Executive Produced by Eminem and Record Executives Jimmy Iovine and Paul Rosenberg

SIRIUS (NASDAQ:SIRI) , the premium satellite radio provider known for delivering the very best in commercial-free music and sports programming to cars and homes across the country, today announced a partnership with multi-platinum recording artist Eminem, Shady Records and Interscope Records to create a cutting-edge hip-hop music and lifestyle channel exclusively for SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The new channel will feature music from across the hip-hop landscape along with programming specially created by leading artists and DJs. A weekly show by Eminem's DJ Green Lantern will spotlight the freshest mixes, while specialty shows hosted by Eminem and acts from the Shady Records roster will offer fans the opportunity to talk directly to their favorite artists. The channel is on tap to debut this fall and will be included with every SIRIUS subscription at no extra charge.

Eminem, Interscope Records Chairman Jimmy Iovine and Shady Records Vice President/Eminem manager Paul Rosenberg will serve as co-executive producers of the channel

3rd Annual DIGITAL VIDEO EXPO EAST Returns to NYC This Week

CMP Media's Digital Video Group announced that its 3rd annual Digital Video Expo East conference, exhibition, and video festival commences today at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in NYC, where it will run through Friday, July 16th. Digital Video Expo is the East Coast's largest and most comprehensive conference and exhibition focusing on all aspects of digital video production, including cameras, lighting, sound, postproduction, hardware and software tools, digital photography, extreme video, independent filmmaking, as well as the latest tips, tricks and techniques.

Getting underway today with Apple Certified Pro 2-day training, the week long conference continues on Tuesday with a Full-Day Intensive on "The Power of Lighting," and launches its multi-track conference program on Wednesday, with tracks on Video, Business, Audio, and the debut of the Xtreme Video & Photo Summit. Special events of note include a keynote address by acclaimed director John Waters (Wednesday, July 14th at 1 p.m.), and the debut of the Xtreme Video Fest, being held at the Westin Times Square Hotel on Wednesday, July 14th, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

In addition to conferences and special events, thousands of digital video professionals will converge at Digital Video Expo East visit the show's bustling exhibit hall, opening on Wednesday, July 14th), to get a first look at the latest products, applications and services from 75 of the industry's leading companies, including Adobe, Apple, Canon USA, Canopus, Discreet, JVC, Matrox, Panasonic, Sony and more.

Red Lion Hotels & WestCoast Hotels Introduce Free 'Net4Guests(TM)' Wireless Internet Access for Guests

GuestAwards Members Gain Password-Protected Internet 'Hot Spot' Service

Hotel guests now have another good reason to choose Red Lion Hotels and WestCoast Hotels when they travel. With the ever-growing need to stay connected while on the road, travelers are seeking fast, reliable and secure ways to log on to the Internet. To answer that need, WestCoast Hospitality Corporation (NYSE:WEH) , representing Red Lion Hotels and WestCoast Hotels in the United States and Canada, has launched "Net4Guests(TM)," its proprietary high-speed wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) service, giving all guests staying at participating hotels free, password-protected access in guestrooms and public areas of the hotel.

Apple seeds new Xcode 1.5 beta

Apple recently provided developers with a new pre-release beta of Xcode 1.5, an upgrade to Mac OS X's suite of development tools.

Apple is referring to the new seed as "Beta2" for Mac OS X 10.3, Panther; the beta has the build number 7K560 and installs Xcode IDE 380, Xcode Core 380, and ToolSupport 372. Release notes for the beta say that Version 1.5 will feature dead-code stripping, code completion for Java, support for the Subversion source-code control system, AppleScriptable CodeWarrior importing, and AppleScript support in the native build system. Xcode 1.5 will also boast speed improvements, Ant templates, faster editor performance, remote debugging, and an enhanced debugger with a globals browser and memory browser. The new version will also support Ant for Java development and will include the gcc 3.3 compiler and CHUD 3.50. Apple specified several known issues with Beta2, suggesting that some time remains before the company will publicly release the upgrade.

The first Xcode 1.5 beta was provided to developers in mid-June. At the Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled Mac OS X 10.4, Tiger, which will ship with Xcode 2 in 2005.

Apple 'close' to accord with indie labels

Apple is close to signing a deal with major players in the UK independent music label community, sources familiar with the talks' progress have claimed. According to the Times, an announcement that the iTunes Music Store will get access to key indie acts like the White Stripes and Basement Jaxx could come as early as today.

Apple's absence nibbles core at Macworld

Organizers and attendees remain upbeat about the Macworld conference being held here this week, despite Apple Computer's decision not to participate. While some conference attendees harbored mild resentment toward Apple, most people at the show on Monday were looking forward to the next several days. The Macworld show floor officially opens Tuesday, but a number of individuals made the trek to the brand new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on Monday to look around, while exhibitors erected conference displays.

The Macworld conference in Boston has been the subject of controversy since October 2002, when the show's organizers, Framingham, Mass.-based IDG World Expo, announced plans to move the event from New York. Almost immediately, Apple announced that it would not participate, punching a gaping hole in the conference's persona, which focuses on the computer maker's products and typically looks to Apple as the event's largest exhibitor and advertiser. Macworld was previously held in Boston with Apple's support, until moving to New York in 1998

Apple ships new aluminum Cinema Displays

Apple has begun shipping its newly designed Apple Cinema Displays, which were introduced late last month at Apple's World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC). The new flat-panel displays feature an ultra-thin bezel aluminum frame as well as new single-cable-based connecor that features two FireWire 400 ports and two USB 2.0 ports, and a DVDI connection. They also offer a magnetic mount for attaching an iSight video camera. At WWDC, Apple had said it expected to ship the 20- and 23-inch displays in July and that the larger 30-inch display was expected in August.

Office Depot joins Apple Authorized Reseller program

Office Depot has been selected by Apple to become the newest member of its Authorized Reseller program, according to numerous reports. The news was confirmed by Office Depot officials earlier this afternoon.

"We are proud to be an Authorized Reseller of Apple products," reads a new statement on the office chain's website. "You can take advantage of one stop shopping for all your office supply needs and now for all your Apple technology needs in one convenient location."

OfficeDepot.com features the full range of Apple products including PowerBooks, Power Macs, iBooks, iMacs, iPods, XServes, displays and accessories.

The partnership between Apple and Office Depot is freshly inked, and currently Apple products are only available from Office Depot's online store. However, Office Depot officials confirmed that Apple products would begin appearing at its retail stores in the coming months.

Apple launches Panther/iLife '04 promo

Apple has kicked off a new promotion dubbed "Add more life to your Mac" that offers a US$50 mail-in rebate when you purchase Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther) and iLife '04 together. Customers can also get $80 back with purchase of the Panther Family Pack and iLife ’04 Family Pack. The promo is valid from July 12 through September 25, 2004. In related news, Apple has updated its Hot Deals Web site with new offerings from CDW|MacWarehouse. The Apple reseller has deals on the LaCie 8x DVD-RW external FireWire drive, Samsung CLP-500 color laser printer, Nikon D-70 digital SLR camera, Macromedia Director MX, and more.

Future Trend: Social Lives of a Cell Phone

Say you’re young and single, and you’re out on the town one Saturday night. With a hot new service called Dodgeball, you take out your mobile phone and tap in the name of the restaurant where you are hanging out. You get a list of friends, and friends of friends, within 10 blocks. You can message each other about getting together, and maybe send a photo of yourself. Social connection services like this, based on mobile wireless devices, are about to radically changes how we communicate with friends, family, and colleagues.

AirCell Tests Ground-to-Air Bandwidth

AirCell says it successfully showed broadband speeds on an airplane uses ground-to-air communication: AirCell reports average speeds of 300 to 500 Kpbs, and peaks of 2.4 Mbps. Their plan is to use a network of ground-based towers to offer cellular voice and data in planes with passengers using their own, existing cellular equipment. The test was with a business jet, but they say they looked at many parameters. The company says it is in discussions to offer the service commercially by next summer. Connexion by Boeing and Tenzing on focused on satellites to bring bandwidth to planes, but AirCell and Sky Way (which has a more Homeland Security oriented business) are using ground towers pointing at the air. It could wind up being substantially less expensive if they can get the frequencies and the sites, especially if they can backhaul bandwidth to the ground towers wirelessly.

Drums On Demand Release Vol. 3 For GarageBand

Drums On Demand's™ new "Upbeat & Aggressive" is a 2-CD set featuring 1,700 royalty free loops, Loop Layers™ and matching single hits in 25 easy-to-use Song Sets. Users simply drag and drop from an average of 45 modular verse, chorus, fill, bridge, break, intro, ending and other loops to to quickly build a drum track that feels and sounds like a live session drummer with a veteran engineer at the console.

Sacked clerk hits bosses with 5m emails

An unnamed 17-year-old clerk who was given his marching orders from UK insurance company Domestic & General responded by bombarding his former employers with 5m emails, the Sun reports.
The youth was sacked for failing to fill in a time sheet and promptly downloaded an email "bomber" which he used to unleash the tsunami over a three-day period. Domestic & General had to shut down its website and reportedly lost £18,000 as the a result of the teen's alleged attack.

The youth said: "All the emails were harmless - just classic lines from films. I only had to pay for my internet connection. Everything else was free. I just wanted to cause them a bit of inconvenience."

The lad now faces a bit of inconvenience of his own after having his collar felt by Scotland Yard’s computer crime unit under the Computer Misuse Act. He has been bailed and faces a maximum penalty of £5,000 or six months' jail.

Suspect in AltaVista hacking case is current Microsoft employee

"A Kirkland man arrested last week on allegations that he stole proprietary technology from the AltaVista search engine two years ago is a Microsoft Corp. employee who has been working on the Redmond company's MSN Search initiative," Todd Bishop reports for The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "Federal authorities allege that Laurent Chavet, a former AltaVista employee, illegally accessed the California company's computer system in March 2002 and June 2002, after he lef

"A Kirkland man arrested last week on allegations that he stole proprietary technology from the AltaVista search engine two years ago is a Microsoft Corp. employee who has been working on the Redmond company's MSN Search initiative," Todd Bishop reports for The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "Federal authorities allege that Laurent Chavet, a former AltaVista employee, illegally accessed the California company's computer system in March 2002 and June 2002, after he left.

iTunes Music Store hits 100 million song milestone

Apple's iTunes Music Store has sold 100 million songs, according to a graphic that greets visitors to Apple's Web site home page. "100 million songs have been legally downloaded from the iTunes Music Store.

Apple makes play for NT orphans

An eWEEK article talks about Apple's Play for NT Orphans, noting that Apple is planning on providing an NT migration tool as part of the Mac OS X Server 10.4 Tiger release, due out in the first half of 2005: "Goguen said Apple expects more than a few Windows Server customers to continue to shun Active Directory. They are offering Apple's plain-vanilla LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) directory as an alternative. And with Microsoft retiring NT 4.0óit stopped supporting client versions June 30 and will stop supporting the server version at year-endóApple thinks the time is right to try to win the hearts and minds of the disenfranchised Windows Server base." The article, however, notes that Apple's (high) pricing remains a concern for potential customers.