@ The revelation that a new search feature on the ever efficient Google could allow hackers to find online passwords and credit card numbers has been followed by the suggestion that it might also help spread computer viruses.

@ The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released the Electronic Commerce and Development Report 2001. it is interesting to note that much of the potential gains in poorer countries are predicted to occur in one region (Asia) and one sector (tourism). http://www.unctad.org/en/pub/ps1ecdr01.en.htm

@ According a new study by Nielsen/NetRatings, travel continues to be the hottest category in e-commerce, eclipsing other sectors in online spending in the third quarter. The study found that some $4.3 billion in travel was purchased on line in July, August and September, a 53% increase over third-quarter 2000. Travel, according to these figures, represents today about one-fourth of all Internet purchases.

@ No frills airline Ryanair has attributed its half-year pre-tax profits of EUR 88 million (GBP 54.2m) to sales via their web site, now accounting for 92% of the carriers business

@ Based on published 3rd quarter reports, priceline.com had a 12.8 percent "look to book" ratio, compared to 8.0 percent for Travelocity and 5.5 percent for Expedia.com.

@ The George Orwell Collection -  November 2001
A, we were spoiled for choice this month. Random pick:
In the UK, the controversial Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIP) requires many companies providing communication services to install technology that allows up to one in 10,000 of their customers to be watched at the same time. Source: BBC