In brief

US small companies are turning to aggressive, cash compensation to hang on to their IT employees, according to the 1998 IT Attraction and Retention Survey by the American Electronics Association (AEA). An AEA survey of more than 100 high-tech companies with fewer than 500 employees reveals various strategies instituted by companies. They include giving retention bonuses; offering 'project completion bonuses' to ensure that software and IT workers finish what they start; and awarding premium pay for in-demand skills.

Oracle plans to build a #20 million regional headquarters at Blythe Valley Business Park in the UK's West Midlands, creating 950 jobs. The software group's plans were welcomed by UK trade secretary, Peter Mandelson, who said he believes the decision highlighted the West Midlands' growing importance in creating new jobs and attracting new investors to the UK.

The new site will provide the area's business customers with support, training and consultancy services.

The UK population is mad about computers and would rather talk about technology than football or sex, according to a Microsoft survey. Out of the 500 households interviewed, more owned a computer than a dog, satellite TV or mobile phone. Computers were a favourite topic of conversation and many preferred the computer to the TV. The over-60s are the biggest users of computers and more girls use the computer for homework than boys.