Chinese authorities are probing US Internet giant Google for launching its local service without a proper licence, State press reported.Google.cn does not have the Internet Content Provider (ICP) licence necessary to operate in China, the Beijing News said. "Without a license, foreign capital is not allowed to engage in telecom business, including ICP operations," the paper said.

The newspaper said the ministry of information was aware of the status of Google’s Chinese operations and that authorities were investigating the incident. So far Goo-gle.cn is using the same ICP license as Ganji.com, a Chinese information website. However the paper said foreign Internet companies had previously used the ICP licences of local enterprises. Executives at Google and Ganji.com could not be reached on Tuesday for comment on the report. Google caused uproar when it launched Google.cn because it agreed to censor websites and content banned by China’s propaganda chiefs. Other major firms, such as Yahoo, Microsoft and Cisco, have also been criticised for complying with, or aiding, China’s censorship efforts.

Oracle said on Tuesday that it has launched an Embedded Business Unit (EBU) for Asia-Pacific and Japan, marking a significant move from the world’s largest enterprise software maker to penetrate the embedded systems market in this region, including India."The Oracle EBU plans to establish licensing agreements with Independent Software Vendors and Original Equipment Manufacturers, allowing them to integrate Oracle software directly into end-user devices such as handsets, home appliances and automobiles," an Oracle India release said.

"Real-life applications of embedded systems are infinite, and range from the practical today to the more futuristic. What they all have in common now is their advanced intelligence. Embedded systems are becoming much more data-rich-capturing, storing, anal-ysing, and sending information to enable innovative device functions," said Mark Barton, vice-president, EBU, Asia Pacific and Japan.

Embedded systems are specialised computer systems that are tailor-made for the devices they control. Embedded systems typically comprise of a microprocessor or microcontroller, run by a real-time operating system, data management software and other applications. The systems are built to meet real-time constraints with a combination of special purpose hardware and software tailored to the system’s requirements."Embedded systems will ultimately enhance the end-user experience and allow Indian enterprises to build true innovation and competitive edge into their wares," said Krishan Dhawan, managing director, Oracle India.

"With the phenomenal growth in both the production and consumption of technology products in the country, India has only scratched the surface in our applications of embedded systems." The newly for-med Oracle EBU will focus on 3G mobile phones, smart phones, and PDAs provide a growing market for personal and software use.