Apple Eases Off

Gist: Apple eased off on rules for developers who make apps for the iPhone and iPad. Developers are now allowed to use whatever tool they want to create the app. Before, Apple's business model was much more closed. Developers had to develop the apps according to Apple's rules. For instance, you could not use Adobe Flash.

A possible reason why Apple eased off was because Google's Android Mobile OS is cutting into their market share. By giving app developers more freedom like Google does, they hope to get some of that back. Also, Adobe file with the FTC against Apple for anti-competitive practices. This could be a way to fend that off.

Either way, software developers are thrilled.

(Could this have any effects on Apple's stock? Or perhaps a software development company's stock?)

HP buys 3PAR

The bidding war between Dell and HP has ended. Dell backed out after HP made a bid of nearly $2.5 billion.

HP and Dell bid for 3PAR

Gist:  HP and Dell, although traditionally computer manufacturers, have identified the importance of secure data storage on the cloud.  3PAR is a leader in this area, and has attracted a $1.6B bid from HP to purchase the company--1/3 more than Dell's bid last week.

Cloud computing enables rental of data storage space so that people and firms don't have to buy it.  Cloud storage also allows people and firms to store and retrieve from almost anywhere.  According to Karan Mehandru, an early stage VC (Trinity Ventures), it would take five years for HP or Dell to develop 3PAR's product.