SyChip debuts 'green' chip

Plano-based SyChip, a maker of chip scale modules (CSM) for the wireless handheld market, released the first environmentally-friendly "Green" 802.11b Wireless LAN embedded module, the WLAN6065EB-HL. The WLAN6065EB-HL is also the world's smallest 802.11b module. Its lineage is the successful SyChip WLAN6060EB platform, certified worldwide and in high volume production in leading Microsoft- and Palm-based PDAs. The WLAN6065EB-HL module complies with the lead-free definition of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association and the National Electronic Manufacturing Initiative.

AcroVista software replaces school bell

Austin-based software developer AcroVista released BellCommander, a patent-pending Windows application meant to replace traditional school bell and automated intercom systems, such as factory shift change horns and store-front intercoms. BellCommander features a specialized audio scheduler that supports traditional and block scheduling, assembly schedules, holidays, early dismissals, and more.

Forgent lays off 45

Austin-based Forgent Networks Inc. says it has laid off 45 employees because of disappointing sales of its Forgent Alliance meeting scheduling software. The company now employs 62 people. Forgent will take a non-cash charge in the second quarter because of development expenses for the Alliance software.

During the first quarter, Forgent purchased Web-based business scheduling systems from Canadian-based Network Simplicity Software Inc. for $3.5 million. Forgent bought Network Simplicity's flagship product--Meeting Room Manager scheduling software for small to midsize businesses.

Paymentech sets up office in Ireland

Dallas-based Paymentech opened an office in Dublin, Ireland. The company, which provides payment services in merchant acquiring and point-of-sale transaction processing, said the move was in response to requests from some clients that operate in Europe. Several of Paymentech's merchants, including America Online, Symantec, Lands End and Amazon.com, conduct business in Europe, the company said.

Game designer moving to Seattle

Dwango North America Corp., a Houston-based publisher of games played on wireless phones, is relocating its headquarters to Seattle and has named a new CEO. The company said the move will cut costs and boost productivity by consolidating operating and corporate functions in a single location. Dwango's operating and publishing division, Dwango wireless, is currently located in Seattle. Meanwhile, the company named Rick Hennessey as president and CEO. He takes over those positions from Robert Huntley who remains chairman of the company. Hennessey joined the company in May 2003 and has been the president of the Dwango wireless division since July 2003. Dwango CFO Jacques Faust and COO Hametner will not join the company in Seattle. Faust will remain with the company for two months while a successor is located in Seattle.

SBC, Yahoo! launch new services for small businesses

San Antonio-based SBC Communications Inc. and Yahoo! Inc. introduced a new suite of online services for the small business customer. The new services are designed to help small and home-based businesses build and maintain professional Web sites and conduct e-commerce. The companies are also introducing a new program called Web Advantage that provides a 20 percent discount on SBC Yahoo! Small Business services for companies that sign up for SBC Yahoo! DSL or Dial Business Edition. The small business market is an area the telecommunications giant is targeting for growth. SBC serves 2 million small business customers throughout its territory. Of those, more than 500,000 are DSL subscribers. The company will market these services to both new and existing small business customers. SBC is the largest telecom company in Houston, employing more 7,500 workers in the Houston area. Houston is SBC's largest market.

Got a local news story? Let us know about it. Send your local news to dan@computeruser.com.