The French are being accused of accepting a deal with Google too soon.  Publishers announced that they have made an agreement with the Internet giant regarding use of their content online.  The deal between French publishers and Google will create a fund worth $80 million, over three years, to help publishers develop their digital units.  Both sides said this will strengthen the relationship between... 

Hewlett Packard is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electronics and computers. They are taking a stand and hoping to reform a problematic labor practice within Chinese factories. Other large electronic manufactures are addressing this dilemma as well. The problem lies in instructions given by the Chinese government ordering schools to provide labor for factories with high demand. The labor... 

Amazon reported fourth-quarter sales and earnings that fell short of analysts’ expectations.  Both revenue and earnings did not meet their expectations.  While fourth-quarter revenue increased 22% to $21.27 billion, analysts had predicted revenue of $22.2 billion.  Earnings per share fell to $0.21, down from $0.38 in the fourth quarter of last year.  Analysts had expected earnings of $0.27 a... 

During her tenure as Chief Executive Officer, Marissa Mayer has done more at Yahoo than her previous five predecessors. She has steered Yahoo through a good quarter for the first time in the company’s last four years. In a call with analysts, Ms. Mayer attributed the growth to a redirected focus on the people and the products. Yahoo has made improvements to the Yahoo email service and Flickr service,... 

AT&T’s quarterly earnings took a hit from Hurricane Sandy and pension costs, despite selling a record number of smartphones over the holiday season. The company outsold its main competitor Verizon Wireless, added many new contract subscribers, and increased revenue from mobile data plans. Randall Stephenson, AT&T’s chief executive officer, stated that the company had an excellent... 

Verizon Communications reported a significant loss for the fourth quarter.  The company reported a loss of $4.22 billion, or $1.48 a share, in the fourth quarter.  This was more than double the loss a year ago. Revenue increased to $30.05 billion, a 5.7% increase from a year ago.  This was slightly higher than analysts’ estimates. The impact of Hurricane Sandy and pension costs had a devastating... 

Microsoft has integrated video and voice messaging capabilities powered by Skype into its office productivity suite. This integration has prompted privacy advocates to ask Microsoft to disclose whether or not government agencies are able snoop on users. Many privacy advocates, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Reporters Without Borders, are requesting Microsoft release to the public... 

I.B.M reported an earnings performance and revenue that exceeded Wall Street’s estimates, reporting solid profit on flat revenue for the last quarter of 2012. I.B.M.’s net income increased by 6% in the fourth quarter, to $5.8 billion. The company’s operating earnings per share rose 14% to $5.39, which was higher than analysts’ average estimate of $5.25 a share. Revenue was $29.3 billion, beating...