The wireless industry is embarking on a new era, with open networks and more choices for customers arriving as soon as next year. However, the consumer revolution comes with a price — one that may ultimately slow the pace of change. As major companies such as Verizon Wireless and Google start championing open phone networks, the wireless market is evolving to give consumers greater say in selecting a handset.

Organized criminal activity will continue to be a big risk on the Internet next year, but the growing tumors of cyber espionage and cyber warfare could metastasize, suggests security firm McAfee. In fact, it predicts that the rise in international cyber spying will pose the single biggest security threat in 2008.

Sony’s PlayStation 3 video game console finally outsold Nintendo’s Wii in Japan in November, helped by a price cut and a stronger lineup of games, the results of a survey released Friday show. Sony sold 183,217 PS3s in Japan in the four weeks to Nov. 25, while Nintendo sold 159,193 Wii consoles, according to magazine publisher Enterbrain.

A federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware has ruled that a trial can go ahead to determine whether the SCO Group owes Novell for licensing of the Unix computer operating system — a potential bill of $35 million for the Lindon, Utah-based company. Judge Kevin Gross approved a motion by Novell to go ahead with the trial in U.S. District Court in Utah.

The Software as a Service concept is rapidly spreading to touch almost every functional area in the IT stack. The latest example is security vendor Webroot’s acquisition of Email Systems, a SaaS security provider. Primarily focused on consumer and SMB markets prior to this merger, Webroot’s newly acquired SaaS functionality will allow the company to better target the enterprise space.

You probably realize that startups experience an inordinate amount of failures. Of course, starting any new business is fraught with risks. However, these risks can be minimized with the proper planning. Based upon my experience in owning and advising businesses, I have come up with seven tips for the budding entrepreneur.

Shopping online has become a favorite activity for consumers. However, retailers still haven’t successfully replicated the experience of uncovering the perfect item hidden on the back of a rack, the thrill of unexpectedly wandering into an out-of-the way boutique, or the way friends bond over dressing room disasters.

Many telecom observers were stunned this week when Verizon announced it would open up its network to “wireless devices, software and applications not offered by the company.” This change in policy is good for consumers and worth closer examination, especially on the business side. Verizon’s “walled garden” required consumers to use a Verizon-chosen phone in order to get Verizon’s service.

Verizon, the No. 2 mobile phone carrier in the U.S., announced Thursday that it and joint owner Vodafone plan to develop and deploy technology based upon Long Term Evolution as its fourth generation mobile broadband network. The shift away from its current standard, CDMA, would essentially open the mobile carrier’s networks, making it more compatible with standards used in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

Amazon.com on Thursday launched a site that invites visitors to ask questions and receive answers from fellow users, who will be lured with Amazon currency to share their expertise and opinions. Amazon is aiming to use Askville.com to leverage its own expertise in sharing consumer opinions and to drive both traffic and sales at the same time.