Search The Directory The Web for Home > News > Online Archives > Wired > 1999 > Executive New! Submit a site   whatUseek Directory Site Listings:   The Bank of Beenz - Beenz Company Ltd., a British start-up, is launching what it calls the Internet's first universal currency, symbolized by a bright red bean with two strokes at the top, The Wall Street Journal reported. Founder Philip Letts envisions the concept as an alternative to Web advertising, explaining that Beenz will market itself by rewarding customers who visit sites using Beenz with the currency, which can then be deposited at the Bank of Beenz. In preparation for the launch, Beenz has recruited a number of retailers to hand out and accept the currency in lieu of payment. It expects to derive future revenue through its role as a bank, clearing transactions and taking commissions on the Beenz it sells. (The Wall Street Journal Interactive requires a subscription.) [Wired News]   The Net, Hollywood Enemy No. 1 - Kids spend less time in front of the TV these days as they increasingly log on. Programmers and advertisers wrestle to capture an emerging demographic group. [Wired News]   US Firms Oppose Privacy Rules - US companies, including Walt Disney Co. and America Online, oppose proposed Commerce Department guidelines for meeting European privacy laws, a sticking point in trade negotiations between the United States and Europe, the Washington Post reported. Commerce officials hope to convince American companies to adopt practices that meet Europe's strict privacy standards, but the US companies say they will not endorse the plan until they know how it will affect their business. At stake, the companies say, is transatlantic trade. [Wired News]   US Seeks Microsoft Revamp - The 19 states who joined the federal government's landmark antitrust case against Microsoft are unlikely to settle for any remedy that doesn't include a revamping of the software company, The New York Times reported. At least some attorneys general will seek to force Microsoft to license the source code for its Windows operating system to other companies. The attorneys acknowledge that the judge in the case could still rule in the favor of Microsoft, but they say they were emboldened by the performance of lead attorney David Boies, and are considering asking for stronger remedies. (Registration required to access New York Times on the Web.) [Wired News]   US, EU Closer to Privacy Accord - The Unites States and European Union have made progress heading off a transatlantic trade dispute over online data privacy after the United States came closer to meeting EU online consumer protection standards, The Financial Times reported. The most vigorous program trying to establish European standards was launched this week by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, a US private sector organization that certifies the ethical standards of its members. BBB is examining how Internet companies collect, store, and protect consumers' personal data, and goes beyond earlier efforts that only encouraged online businesses to disclose privacy policies. [Wired News]   Wireless Success - With 30 percent of Americans already possessing cellular phones, wireless companies predict that technological advances, lower rates, and industry consolidation will boost the mobile's popularity even more in the next few years, the Los Angeles Times reported. So far, incentives like single-rate national pricing, and plans that offer a wealth of minutes, have produced successful results, but in order to fulfill the vision of the inter-operability of wireless and cordless lines, companies are considering all kinds of technological innovations and pricing plans. While most consumers may need to wait a while for cellular global coverage and email, the industry will continue to grow by tapping the American youth market and consolidating overseas. [Wired News]   Xerox's dpiX Closing Down - From Wired News: So much for unlocking value. DpiX, one of Xerox PARC's spinoffs, plans to shut down by the end of the year, if it can't find more backers or a buyer. [Wired News]     [ 1 2 3 4 ] Help build the largest human-edited directory on the web.   Submit a Site - Open Directory Project - Become an Editor

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