Nintendo will delay the U.S. debut of its GameCube console by two weeks to ensure a smooth rollout.
The delay in the U.S. launch means the new console will appear in stores after the rival Xbox from Microsoft (MSFT), but Nintendo (NTDOY) executives emphasized the GameCube would still be available in plenty of time for the Christmas shopping season.
The delay would have no negative impact on sales and was simply to prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday at the end of November, said George Harrison, senior vice president for Nintendo of America's marketing and corporate communications.
"We looked at the available quantity that we had, and we felt that it's more important to have sufficient quantity for Thanksgiving weekend and we thought that was a better day to go on sale," he said.
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Mobile messages: Microsoft will give its 20 million e-mail users in Europe access to messages via their mobile phones, the company said in unveiling a new alliance with European mobile operators.
The initiative involving a joint venture between TDC Mobile International (TLD) and CMG Wireless Data Solutions is the latest step in Microsoft's strategy to bring its software products and Web offerings to mobile devices, including phones, pagers and handheld devices.
Users will be able to access their Hotmail account and send e-mail messages via short messaging service, commonly known as SMS, Microsoft said.
In the future, Microsoft (MSFT) intends to give mobile users greater access to the MSN portal, whether it is to read news headlines or scan parts of the Web, the company said.
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Job cuts: Equant will cut around 3,000 jobs, over 20 percent of its workforce, to achieve a third of the $300 million annual savings targeted under its takeover by France Telecom (FTE).
The cuts will be spread across the United States, Europe and Asia and not focused on any one region or activity, an Equant (ENT) spokesman said.
The firm hopes to achieve annual savings of $100 million once the cuts are complete.
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Cost cutting at Sonera: Sonera aimed to cut around 1,000 jobs, or some 9 percent of its workforce, as part of a wider rationalization to contend with weak market conditions.
The firm said it aimed to save 50 to 60 million euros ($45.5-54.6 million) from the job cuts, with a one-time cost of 5 million euros this year.
"In addition to personnel expenses, Sonera (SNRA) will also continue to cut other expenses and to focus its business," the company said.
The cuts will affect the company's corporate administration, Sonera Services, Sonera Wireless Ventures, and its Telecom business units.
Reuters contributed to this report.
