Tech Briefs

SUN'S NEW CEO FACES CHALLENGE

Sun Microsystems Inc.'s new chief executive officer, JonathanSchwartz, pledged to revive sales growth and reverse five years ofmarket-share losses. Schwartz, who was named to replace Scott McNealyas CEO on Monday, said he will review spending over the next 90 daysand that he doesn't plan to cut a lot of jobs at the fourth-largestmaker of server computers. McNealy will remain chairman. Schwartz'sremarks about status quo might not satisfy some analysts andinvestors looking for quicker improvement. The server and softwaremaker's stock closed just a penny higher, to $4.99 per share.

GREEN APPLE PLAN EXPANDED

Apple announced it will offer free computer take-back andrecycling with the purchase of a new Macintosh system beginning inJune. U.S. customers who buy a new Mac through an Apple store or theWeb site will receive free shipping and environmentally friendlydisposal of their old computer as an expansion of its Apple Recyclingprogram. Equipment received by the program in the U.S. is recycleddomestically and no hazardous material is shipped overseas, thecompany said.

EU FAULTS MICROSOFT TACTIC

Microsoft ended a rival's reign as the leading PC media-playermaker by bundling its own program with Windows -- and could do thesame to others if its appeal of a landmark antitrust ruling isgranted, the European Commission said Tuesday. Microsoft brushed offthe claims, saying that it continuously added functions to itsoperating systems to meet likely demand from consumers -- part of thetechnology sector's natural evolution.

SKYPE RINGS UP RINGTONES DEAL

Skype, eBay's Internet telephone subsidiary, announced a dealTuesday with music publishers that will make audio clips from artistslike Madonna, Green Day and Red Hot Chili Peppers available to itsusers as ring tones. Clips from Madonna songs will be availableWednesday for $1.50 each, with other artists to follow, Skype said.The deal is with EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing,Warner/Chappell Music and the British association for author andpublisher rights, the MCPS-PRS Alliance.