NEWS

Internet service providers curb traffic
Several Internet service providers are moving to curb the growth of traffic on their networks, or at least make the subscribers who download the most pay more. This could have consequences not just for consumers -- who would have to learn to watch how much data their Internet use entails -- but also for companies that hope to make the Internet a conduit for movies and other content that comes in huge files.

Telecom, cable rollouts raise ire over utility boxes
As cable and phone companies race to upgrade services or offer video for the first time, they're doing it by installing equipment in boxes on lawns, easements and curbs all over American neighborhoods. Telecommunications rollouts have always been messy, but several towns and residents are fighting back with cries of "Not in my front yard!"

FDA clears Amgen drug for blood-clotting disorder
Federal regulators on Friday approved a biotech drug from Amgen Inc. to treat a rare blood-clotting disorder.

Company finds niche by selling video game rosters
Video gamers crave authenticity, and for the most part NCAA Football '09 delivers. There is, however, an exception. NCAA rules prohibit game maker EA Sports from using players' real names. Enter Brian Kaldenberg, the 25-year-old whiz kid president of Gamerosters.com.

In Hindsight: An A+ for Apple, Google; a move for Facebook
Plus: Hewlett-Packard earnings, foreclosures boost Bay Area real estate sales, $84.6 million more for Oracle's Larry Ellison, Intuit earnings, and grim words about the economy from Ben Bernanke and Warren Buffett.

Embarq to cut 500-700 jobs
Telecommunications company Embarq Corp. is cutting between 500 and 700 jobs and eliminating around 300 contract positions.

Company acknowledges voting machine programming error
A major voting machine maker has cautioned its customers in 34 states to look out for a programming error that may cause votes to be dropped.

Hynix Semiconductor says end of U.S. tariffs will help
The United States has decided to end punitive duties imposed on Hynix Semiconductor Inc. in 2003, a move the South Korean company says will help put it back in the black.

Intuit increasingly reliant on online servicesIntuit is betting its future on selling services online, as more consumers and small businesses use Web-based programs to pay taxes and keep track of their money.

Genentech dangles cash carrot for employeesGenentech said Thursday it plans to spend $371 million in cash to keep its scientists, executives and other employees from leaving in light of Swiss drug-giant Roche's proposal to buy out the South San Francisco biotech company.