G$earch

Sony to bring back PSN this week, already running in Japan?

Posted by Harshad

Sony to bring back PSN this week, already running in Japan?


Sony to bring back PSN this week, already running in Japan?

Posted: 01 May 2011 10:20 PM PDT

Sony to bring back PSN this week, already running in Japan?Sony announced earlier today that they will slowly be bringing back the PlayStation Network and Qriocity over the next week, and some unconfirmed reports already have the service up-and-running in Japan.

The company will also be ramping up security on the network in response to the largest security breach in the company's history, with personal info (and possibly but not likely credit card info) stolen from 77 million accounts.

Finally, Sony says they will be setting up a new customer appreciation program to thank everyone for waiting almost two weeks for PSN to come back up.

Sony says:

Third-party experts have conducted extensive tests to verify the security strength of the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. With these measures in place, SCE and SNEI plan to start a phased rollout by region of the services shortly.


The new security features include:

-Added automated software monitoring and configuration management to help defend against new attacks

-Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption

-Enhanced ability to detect software intrusions within the network, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns

-Implementation of additional firewalls


Sony also says it is still working with the FBI to look into the attack and prosecute those responsible.

For the "Welcome Back" program, Sony will be offering some "entertainment content" for free and a free 30-day subscription to the premium PlayStation Plus.

Permalink | Comments



$3 billion Warner Music buyout could be completed this week

Posted: 01 May 2011 09:09 PM PDT

$3 billion Warner Music buyout could be completed this weekWarner Music Group could be sold at the end of the week for $3 billion, say sources, as all final buyout bids for the Big 4 record label are due tomorrow.

So far, the two competing bids are coming from Len Blavatnik's Access Industry and a joint bid by Tom and Alec Gores' Platinum Equity and Gores Group.

Warner says two major labels (BMG and Sony) were bidding, as well, but "fell short of what Warner's board was looking for from strategic buyers." It appears that Warner wants a premium from labels as the transaction will take much longer to complete, given anti-trust review.

With all that being said, insiders are still skeptical that an actual deal will be completed.

Warner put itself up for sale in January, following years of declining music sales.

"The key issues for Warner Music's board are price and simplicity of the transaction process," say the sources.

Warner has $1.9 billion in debt, and is only expected to make $333 million in income before interest, depreciation and amortization, for the fiscal 2012.

The winner of the auction is also likely to bid on EMI after, using the purchases of both companies to lower costs.

Permalink | Comments



0 comments:

Post a Comment