Microsoft exec touts software wins over Google (at MarketWatch)
A Microsoft Corp. executive used the beginning of the company's financial analyst meeting Thursday to tout its hybrid approach to providing Internet-hosted collaboration technology.

[video] U.S. Week Ahead: More Earnings; Data on Tap [1.8 min] (at MarketWatch)
Toyota, Dow, Disney, Kraft and AIG head earnings list. Investors will get data on auto, retail sales; factory orders; joblessness and consumer sentiment. The Senate debates the energy bill, and NFL training camps open.

Business events scheduled for the coming month (AP)
MONDAY, Aug. 2 WASHINGTON -- Commerce Department releases construction spending for June, 10 a.m. NEW YORK -- The Institute for Supply Management releases its manufacturing index for July, 10 a.m.

Business events scheduled for the coming week (AP)
MONDAY, Aug. 2 WASHINGTON -- Commerce Department releases construction spending for June, 10 a.m. NEW YORK -- The Institute for Supply Management releases its manufacturing index for July, 10 a.m.

Earnings schedule for week of Aug. 2 (AP)
Major companies tentatively scheduled to report quarterly earnings next week: Monday LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Humana Inc. releases financial results.

The Internet Illuminati: Seven Hold Keys to the Digital Universe (at CNBC)
In a world...where seven people have been chosen to hold the keys to the Internet...in Ziploc baggies...they may be able to save the digital universe...forever.