Opinion
Opinion
IT innovation, research and development
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The Covid-19 crisis: Reinventing digital transformation
Digital transformation projects are returning as organisations realise that improvements in productivity and customer engagement are now even more important – providing that the work can be done remotely and there’s still cash to pay for it Continue Reading
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Why UK needs independent oversight body for contact-tracing app
The public needs and deserves clarity, and not just assurances, over the UK’s Covid-19 contact-tracing app Continue Reading
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London Data Commission: Sharing data to help support London’s response to Covid-19
London First’s director of connectivity and competitiveness, David Lutton, talks about establishing the London Data Commission, and its contribution to coping with the coronavirus crisis Continue Reading
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It’s good to chat, but who to? The role of chatbots in digital transformation
AI-powered chatbots and smart agents are being used to improve customer experience, but they can have an important role to play in internal digital transformation projects too Continue Reading
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Identification and access management: some possible futures
Learn about how we might be using our heartbeats, brainwaves and eye movements to unlock our mobiles in the future Continue Reading
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A beginner’s guide to quantum computer programming
Quantum computing takes a radically different approach to programming. IBM’s education head discusses how to get started Continue Reading
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What is ARPA and what should a UK version look like?
The Prime Minister wants the UK to be a hotbed of science and research, and his advisor Dominic Cummings admires the US ARPA organisation – but what would a UK version need to be successful? Continue Reading
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There's nothing much new in tech, but it's what we do with what we have that matters
It feels like the world of tech is full of new things, but that's not entirely true. There's not a lot of invention going on, but that's fine because it's innovation that powers growth and productivity Continue Reading
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Quantum sensing: A new frontier for revolutionary technology
Sensors are increasingly commonplace thanks to the internet of things – but the next generation of sensing technology promises dramatic new capabilities Continue Reading
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Conservative Party: Fostering an environment for IT and digital to flourish
Matt Warman, Conservative MP and minister for digital and broadband, outlines the Tory policies for technology and digital ahead of the General Election Continue Reading
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Liberal Democrats: We want to lead the world in ethical, inclusive technology
Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP and party spokesperson for digital, culture, media and sport, writes about the party's technology policies ahead of the upcoming General Election Continue Reading
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The super-resilient organisation
We need to build super-resilient organisations that can not only survive in a tempestuous world, but become energised by it Continue Reading
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The super-resilient IT function
IT functions don’t have to continue taking the blame for organisational failures, they can take the lead in transforming the business Continue Reading
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Exploring the UK’s tech opportunity in China
China is investing in technology at a scale unseen in the West – but it's open to British tech collaboration and as the UK seeks a new role in the world, the opportunities are enormous Continue Reading
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If data really is the new oil, the raw materials need a different economic approach
The International Monetary Fund is the latest to say that data is the new oil – the change agent in the economy – but striking it rich is a complicated matter Continue Reading
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Gartner: Eight ways blockchain can support governments
Distributed ledgers are not just limited to finance and smart contracts. Gartner explores how blockchain can tackle government inefficiencies Continue Reading
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5G standards show how tech increasingly needs one global market
The US has a problem: its military owns the spectrum everyone else will be using for 5G. It’s why the US cannot become a global leader in 5G – and why Huawei doesn’t care Continue Reading
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UK businesses deserve a 5G networked nation
The tech sector needs to coalesce around a unified, positive vision of 5G to establish a proper business case for ultrafast, low latency mobile Continue Reading
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Why the rise of IT managed by the business is driving creative thinking
Organisations that encourage business units to implement and run their own IT systems have an edge over competitors that rely entirely on the IT department, research from Harvey Nash and KPMG reveals Continue Reading
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How to avoid AI myopia
Artificial intelligence holds much promise and is generating a lot of excitement, but it can have unintended consequences. Technologists need to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past Continue Reading
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The UK must play a leading role in global collaboration on digital policy and ethics
All countries must work together to ensure digital technologies such as AI are ethical and trustworthy – and the UK has an opportunity to be a global leader Continue Reading
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5G’s first five years: A look ahead
With 5G mobile networks edging closer to reality, GSMA Intelligence’s Matthew Iji looks ahead to consider how the technology will be adopted between now and 2024 Continue Reading
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Getting it right this time: Why the strategy is not about delivery for NHSX
Government needs to move on from the mantras and beliefs that exist around digital and technology – the new NHSX organisation could set an example by transforming healthcare Continue Reading
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Building Britain’s national digital twin
The tech sector and wider industry are coming together to create a “digital twin” of Britain to help improve the nation’s physical infrastructure – and you can help Continue Reading
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Will AI replace lawyers? Assessing the potential of artificial intelligence in legal services
You may not be surprised to learn that lawyers don't expect AI to replace them, but the potential for the technology in law and other professional services must not be underestimated Continue Reading
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Leading IT: Lessons from the front line
As a CIO, whatever challenges you face in terms of budget, mandates or timetable, you may already have the right people to carry out incredible IT feats. Here are four ways to lead your organisation to unprecedented success Continue Reading
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Can we live without passwords?
Can you imagine a future in which we can be secure online without having to remember an unwieldly list of passwords? Solutions are emerging that could make passwords redundant, but there will be other security problems to resolve Continue Reading
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Douglas Engelbart, the forgotten hero of modern computing
Half a century ago, Douglas Engelbart demonstrated an experimental computer that laid the foundations for modern computing. His vision to use computing power to solve complex problems in all areas of human activity has become reality, but not in the... Continue Reading
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More effective digital transformation through the power of your own people
The old model of escalating decisions up and down the management chain does not work any more. Business leaders need to delegate responsibility for projects to business and technology specialists and eliminate the fear of failure Continue Reading
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GCHQ offers help to embryonic Irish cyber security organisation
Ciaran Martin head of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, builds bridges with the Republic of Ireland's intelligence community during an official visit to Dublin Continue Reading
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Emerging govtech – a new opportunity for innovation in public service delivery?
The government has started to engage with the IT sector over how best to introduce emerging technologies in public service delivery – an initiative that, if successful, should be welcomed Continue Reading
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Introducing ‘focus and leverage’ – the value algorithm of the internet era
Anyone pitching a business idea or designing a new service needs to understand the economics of mature internet technology Continue Reading
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UK winners and losers in digital tech
The UK's retail and telecoms companies are among the best in the world at digital technology, but a survey of digital leaders shows there is still room for improvement for many UK firms Continue Reading
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Digital services tax weakens the case for tech startups to choose the UK
The UK government’s plan for a tax specifically targeting big digital firms risks undermining international efforts to reform corporate taxation for the digital age Continue Reading
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Will the EU Copyright Directive ‘break the internet’?
A new European Union law proposed for copyrighted material has provoked strong reactions from all sides – but what does it mean? Continue Reading
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Capitalism too short-termist? The tech sector suggests otherwise
Many observers criticise businesses and stock markets for being too short-termist – but if that was the case, how did Amazon, Uber and their ilk ever come into existence? Continue Reading
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From Aberdeen to Brighton: Investing in the UK’s digital future
More investment in the UK’s broadband infrastructure is critical to ensure the UK’s future success in technology in a post-Brexit world Continue Reading
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AI: Black boxes and the boardroom
Computers can and do make mistakes and AI is only as good its training so relying purely on machine intelligence to make critical decisions is risky Continue Reading
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Why #techmatters – the challenge for everyone in the UK tech community
The UK technology sector faces unprecedented challenges – and opportunities – but we must never lose sight of the fact that it exists to make people’s lives better Continue Reading
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Mind your drone business
Amazon is just the tip of the iceberg – companies are pouring hundreds of millions into the development of commercial drones Continue Reading
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Is 5G more than just another generation of mobile?
Although several mobile network operators have announced launch dates for 5G services, many people remain unsure about the aspirations for 5G, what it means for users, its monetisation and its timescales Continue Reading
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Big data skills shortages – and how to work around them
Businesses are finding it hard to recruit enough people with big data and analytics skills, but for CIOs there are alternative strategies to consider Continue Reading
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Taking the quantum leap: What is quantum technology for business?
Quantum computers are many years away, but the first applications of quantum technology will arrive in only one or two years – so businesses need to be ready Continue Reading
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Beware of the digital bandwagon
The rush to become ‘digital by default’ could drive costs up and have a damaging effect on understanding customer demand, writes John Seddon Continue Reading
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A strong UK-India bond on tech can benefit us all
The UK tech sector can benefit from the government’s work to forge closer ties with India’s burgeoning digital economy Continue Reading
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Building a tech future between the UK and India
A new tech partnership between the UK and India will benefit the digital economy in both countries, says secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport Matt Hancock Continue Reading
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Blockchain: Paving the way for broad adoption
The foundations have been laid for organisations to begin standardising on the technology, talent and platforms that will drive future blockchain initiatives Continue Reading
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Protecting your intellectual property in a digital world
Your business is creating innovative computer code, slick user interfaces, and is using digital technology to solve new problems. How do you protect your investment? Continue Reading
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Moving away from analogue health in a digital world
Healthcare records still rely on faxes, email, mail and paper, but the innovative use of technology will lead to major improvements in medical care Continue Reading
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The seven levers of digital transformation
Organisations that embark on digital transformation projects often run into difficulties. Following the seven principles of digital transformation will help them reap the benefits of digital technology Continue Reading
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Taxing tech giants on revenue only ends up with us customers paying more
EU proposals to tax internet companies based on sales in each country fail to apply the tax burden on the right people Continue Reading
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Mobile biometrics set to be game-changer in APAC
Telcos, financial institutions and other industry players risk losing market share if they do not keep up with the demand for security, convenience and mobility Continue Reading
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Does artificial intelligence have a language problem?
As AI 'learns' from human input, the language we use becomes an increasingly important consideration Continue Reading
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Bitcoin is a bubble, but manias can have economic benefits
The UK's railway mania, the tulip bubble, the dot com boom and other collective economic madness – such as bitcoin – might lose people a lot of money, but they often lay down important foundations Continue Reading
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Blockchain’s promise goes beyond fintech
By reducing the cost of peer-to-peer data and resource transfer, blockchain can remove the need for third parties and middlemen across industries Continue Reading
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How to boost your personal brand as an IT professional
Seven steps to help you build a personal brand in the workplace, articulate the value you provide and build your professional reputation Continue Reading
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How to attract investors for your enterprise software startup
Are you looking to find an investor for your enterprise software company? This expert advice explains what investors will be looking to find in an innovative software business seeking backing Continue Reading
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Why now is the time to appoint a chief agility officer
Companies need to innovate and find new ways of getting products to the market more quickly. Appointing a chief agility officer to the board will help Continue Reading
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How the iPhone shows the value of innovation in a capitalist economy
Ten years of watching the iPhone transform markets around the world demonstrates the economic value of technology innovation Continue Reading
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How AI is disrupting the role of call centres and call centre staff
Artificial intelligence could eliminate many white-collar jobs in coming decades. Its effects are already being felt in the call centre industry, but there is still no substitute for the human touch Continue Reading
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Enterprise NAS performance challenges and how to resolve them
NAS storage can be used for mission critical workloads but NFS-based storage comes with performance challenges. Jim Bahn of Virtual Instruments outlines the main ones Continue Reading
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Robots will transform, not replace, human work
Claims that robots will steal our jobs are commonplace – but humans will find themselves working side by side with robots, rather than being replaced by them Continue Reading
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The problem of smart cities and connectivity in the UK
Only once leaders develop a framework for local economic and societal development can the “smart city” buzz can evolve into “intelligent communities” Continue Reading
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The top 10 myths about agile development
Examining some of the most common misconceptions in the growing field of agile software development Continue Reading
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Define a software delivery strategy for business innovation – four key steps
As software takes a central role in modern business models, application delivery capability has become the key enabler of disruption Continue Reading
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Living with Google Glass – not quite useful enough to overcome the dork-factor
Businesses will use Google Glass first, says Simon Dring after spending a few days living with the technology. Continue Reading
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Technology, society and morality: the implications for technology leaders
Technology is evolving at a pace and scale that has never been experienced. Society is struggling to keep up with the social and moral implications Continue Reading
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The Great Deverticalisation - part 4: The role of the private sector
Why do we persist in running vertically integrated organisations when standardising many of these processes would free us up to do things so much better, and more cheaply? Continue Reading
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The Great Deverticalisation - part 2: The power of open
The public sector has the opportunity, through the power of 'open', to take the lead in creating organisations for the future success of UK plc Continue Reading
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Tech companies facing mounting IP challenges
The recent flurry of patent buying and selling activity in the global tech sector illustrates dramatic changes in the way some of the biggest technology companies are approaching their intellectual property (IP) Continue Reading
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Open standards are about the business model, not the technology
Software companies, abuzz with lobbyists and patent lawyers over government open standards, are similar to the record industry 10 years ago. Continue Reading
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Five ways to improve your IT project management
Project management and the IT industry go together like jam and toast. But not all project management is good project management. Continue Reading