As early as February 2008, the Army is planning to introduce software, developed by Arlington, Texas-based Thursby Software, that will also enable Mac desktops and laptops to use CAC systems--a change that should make it easier to get Macs into the service.

FORBES: Magazine Article

France's Cac-40 index was a rare exception - still losing on the year, but just half a percent.

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In third phase, users were allowed secure access to their government e-mail, calendar and contacts after authenticating using a federally-mandated CAC smart card reader.

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France's CAC-40 index finished with a small loss.

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Peugeot, a founding member of the main French stock market index, the Cac-40, was demoted last year as a result of its tumbling share price.

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In Paris, the blue-chip CAC 40 shed almost 4 percent, or 189.94 points, to a 17-month low of 4, 824.82, led by consumer electronics maker Thomson Multimedia ( PTMM) and insurer AXA ( PAXA).

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Germany's DAX advanced 0.9% on the day and 0.4% for February, to 7741.70, while France's CAC-40 added 0.9%, for a 0.3% monthly gain to 3723.00.

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Then there have been subtle but important barriers: For instance, Macintosh computers have long been incompatible with a security keycard-reading system known as Common Access Cards system, or CAC, which is heavily used by the military.

FORBES: Magazine Article