1.   There are business deals linking cable companies with entertainment providers, phone companies with movie studios, software publishers with hardware makers.

2.   Apple is finally negotiating to license its technology to other hardware makers.

3.   Before the Internet exploded, software was a hard sell in a Silicon Valley that worshipped hardware makers such as Apple Computer and Silicon Graphics.

4.   A central aspect of the Microsoft plan is to no longer offer preferential discounts for Windows products to hardware makers it considers partners.

5.   But EMC declined to buy a piece of the younger company late last year, after which StorageNetworks sold stakes to other hardware makers instead.

6.   But some computer hardware makers were more conciliatory.

7.   Connecticut stocks rose, led by hardware maker Stanley Works, whose shares climbed for a second day after the company appointed a new chairman and chief executive.

8.   Compaq on Thursday announced alliances with hardware makers to improve the sound and video for its Presario line.

9.   Competition is driving down the price of licenses, placing hardware makers like Sony squarely in the middle of a two-pronged price war.

10.   Each hardware maker has been eager to attract video game software publishers in the hopes that hit titles will draw large audiences.