Linda Leung

Later this year, enterprise users of Palm OS devices for the first time will get a fully equipped Web browser with Version 5.0 of the Palm OS operating system.

Cisco Systems Inc., which had been one of the most acquisitive vendors in the IT industry, now says it plans to scale back and be more discriminatory when purchasing other networking companies due to the depressed economy.

Don't believe the vendor hype surrounding the convergence of voice and data services into a single network, particularly for new sites

Mike Volpi, who as chief strategy officer was responsible for Cisco's 23 acquisitions last year, said the networking giant would be more focused with its purchases. "Instead of making 50 bets, we're honing down into key markets and getting out of some others," he said, adding that the company would announce "a small number" of purchases this year.

The success of Web services will depend on how well they enable businesses to build relationships with each other and whether they place end users at the center of control.