CIO Canada Staff

Forget the Y chromosome. Everyone knows that the primary difference between men and women is that women possess the common sense to ask for directions when they're lost and men don't. A recent survey of the small office, home office (SOHO) market gives this old axiom a modern proof.

Mattel, the world's largest toy maker, is expanding its already large assortment of tech-enhanced toys with help from a Markham, Ontario firm. Mattel has teamed up with Patriot Computers, a direct marketer of computers, to develop and market Barbie PC and Hot Wheels PC, which will be offered for sale beginning in September through two Web sites, or over the phone. They will not be sold in stores.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that many employees use their e-mail at work for personal reasons. Whether it's a quick e-mail to Mom on her birthday or a note to the golfing foursome telling them the tee time for Saturday, e-mail is surpassing the telephone as the most widely used workplace communications tool.

Dr. Claudine Simson, vice-president Global Technology Research and Intellectual Property for Nortel Networks, is the first Canadian inductee into the Women in Technology International (WITI) Hall of Fame. One of five new inductees, she was chosen recently for her contributions to the advancement of science and technology.

Results of a recent survey, E-commerce and Security in Canada: The Consumer Perspective, indicate a cautious endorsement of e-commerce online activities by Canadians. If e-commerce is to realize its full potential among consumers, however, major concerns about security will have to be addressed.

Distributed computing initiatives that promise in some way to facilitate electronic commerce are getting nods from upper management, according to a survey completed by Cutter Consortium.

Now you can help the faithful search for the Loch Ness monster without getting your feet wet. At www.lochness.scotland.net, a well-placed Web cam lets Nessie fans keep close tabs on the aquatic activities of the legendary lake-dweller.

Sure, global supply chain management sounds like a good bandwagon to jump on