Oedipus, Schmoedipus, just send a message

Those of you who woke up on Sunday morning racked with the guilt of not having sent a Mother's Day card, or who regularly forget your nephews' and nieces' birthdays, will be relieved to know that from now on help is at hand.

Microsoft has teamed up with the leading US card maker Hallmark and plans to offer a range of PC-based electronic greeting cards.

The five-year joint development deal will see the two companies create heartwarming 'personal expression products' for the PC so in the future you can 'keep in touch with family and friends'.