Fremont, California-based ESS Technology Inc and Yamaha Corp said they had settled litigation covering Yamaha patents on FM tone synthesis. The settlement provides for dismissal of the suit; other details were not disclosed. The companies said the settlement does not have a material adverse effect on either party’s financial status.

Redwood City, California-based Emery Worldwide Inc said its customers now can track and trace their air freight shipments via a Track-A-Shipment Online feature on its http://www.emery.com home page. Emery promises complete security and assures that intelligence about shipments is not disclosed to unauthorized users..

Acer Inc denies that it plans to make Network Computers for sale under its own name; as a major contract manufacturer and OEM supplier, it’s quite happy to consider making the things for another manufacturer if it should be asked.

Baan NV’s proposed Canadian acquisition Berclain Group Inc, based in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, is involved in manufacturing synchronization and scheduling, but no financial details about it have been disclosed.

Meta Group Inc, Stamford, Connecticut says chairman Marc Butlein will be taking a six-month sabbatical from his operational responsibilities as executive director of the Meta Executive Council, effective July 1. He will continue as chairman while president, chief executive and research director Dale Kutnick will assume the responsibilities for the Executive Council.