The other half worked on the back end, crunching computer code to build systems for order-processing, distribution and inventory flow and to integrate a new Web site tracking system with the existing ones.

FORBES: Digital denim

Dan Kaminsky, the security researcher who found a major flaw in the domain name system in 2008 and recently founded a new company devoted to securing Web applications, says that a rickety session management system combined with a record number of users led to the tangled logins.

FORBES: AT&T's iPhone Preorder Security Mayhem Likely Caused By 'Session Exhaustion'

Firefox OS is a new mobile operating system built entirely using open web standards.

FORBES: So Why Is Google Funding Its Own Competition In The Firefox OS?

Developers have contacted The Next Web to share references to a new iPhone identifier and the next big operating system update for the smartphone and tablet devices: iOS 7.

FORBES: Links 2 Jan: Apple's iPhone 6 And iOS7 Already Showing Up

But Google has been stepping up conversations about offering new music services tied to phones running its Android operating system along with the broader Web, said people who have been briefed on the talks.

WSJ: Google Plans Music Service Tied to Search Engine

They were asking that Apple be enjoined from using the "Tiger" moniker to promote its new operating system (Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, natch) anywhere on its web site or in any new advertising, packaging or signage.

ENGADGET: The Tiger suit is off

Google also developed a new operating system called Chrome OS that is derived from its browser technology and designed to run only Web-based software.

WSJ: Google's Chrome Surpasses Firefox as No. 2 Browser to Internet Explorer

But a raft of SVP volunteers moved in, evaluating a new phone system, setting up e-mail, installing a digital subscriber line connection and redesigning her Web site.

FORBES: Spreadsheet Philanthropy

Although it has integrated the product into its Outlook.com web email service, it will continue to offer Skype as a separate installable application on its new system, avoiding the risk of anti-competition complaints.

BBC: Skype slashes battery use for Windows 8 system launch