EDS is suing e-procurement software firm Ariba for alleged breach of contract. The US-based computer services provider claims that after forming an alliance at the end of 2000, Ariba refused to provide the required sales, marketing and technical support. It also alleges that Ariba used the agreement to identify potential customers outside the alliance.

The New Electricity Trading Arrangements (Neta) have moved a step closer with a number of documents signed by suppliers, including the balancing and settlement code, which sets out the rules for the balancing mechanism and settlement process. Dr Eileen Marshall, deputy director-general of electricity and gas regulator Ofgem, said Neta was on track to take effect on 21 November.

There are doubtless many readers with sharp memories of the tyranny imposed by belligerent trade unions on their hapless managerial adversaries across the manufacturing landscape of the 1970s.