Later this year it will add computer-packaged stock portfolios (of the sort pioneered by FolioFN) and then electronic advice service, with combined debit and credit cards to follow.

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Dr Fraser and the other specialists called for a standardised guidance system on assessing high risk medical devices, the introduction of rules for newer devices such as electronic medical records that are not currently scrutinised, more consistent advice on clinical testing and more information on standards and study results.

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At the E-G8 meeting, the E meaning electronic, French president Nicolas Sarkozy called on internet CEOs to give some advice on the future of the web.

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Many consumers, in the market for big-ticket electronic items, shop Best Buy stores and then use the information and advice received to make informed on-line purchases at lower prices from retailers with less overhead than Best Buy.

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The government has also issued advice to senior business leaders about how to combat the threat of electronic espionage.

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Granick, who was also Civil Liberties Director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation before joining her new firm, says she has always given advice to people in the computer security field.

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Last week, when I contacted some seasoned business travelers for gadget advice, a clear distinction became apparent between those who enjoy packing electronic aides for every circumstance and those who pack light under any circumstance.

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Second, electronic commerce poses a headache for national regulators, especially in service industries such as medicine and financial advice where suppliers are much better informed than their customers.

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