In Depth

In Depth

IT risk management

• Meeting notes: 15 September 2004

  In a £2.4bn deal BT sold its property portfolio and transferred 400 staff to the newly independent company, Telereal, early in...  Continue Reading

• Kicking out dead time

  A man of many talents, Gary Turner is a professional kick boxer and guest commentator on Eurosport as well as the proprietor of a...  Continue Reading

• Endemol UK backs up

  Putting together the UK's most famous reality TV show, Big Brother, is no mean achievement. Endemol UK Productions produces over...  Continue Reading

• Who will reach the top?

  With more and more CIOs coming from outside IT, the challenge is to nurture good managers - combining IT skills with commercial...  Continue Reading

• Mapping out a future for the NHS

  The controversy over costs makes it easy to lose sight of what the government is aiming to achieve with its IT programme for the...  Continue Reading

• New security standards to strengthen supervisory control and data acquisition systems

  The security of critical-infrastructure processes, long festering as a thorny issue in securing everything from food and water to...  Continue Reading

• In search of a better way to look for data

  Search engine Google has enjoyed a successful flotation and its recently released desktop search tool is receiving lots of...  Continue Reading

• Don't close your eyes to workplace stress

  IT's long-hours, deadline-driven culture makes it a breeding ground for stress. Both employers and staff could pay a high price...  Continue Reading

• Break out of old-school habits to secure Windows

  When it comes to security, most Windows administrators follow an old-school programmer's mentality, which keeps them working in crisis management mode. In this column, SearchWindowsSecurity.com reader Al Reust explains how and why administrators ...  Continue Reading

• Highly secure systems work only if they need no input from users

  In the second extract from his book, security expert Bruce Schneier argues that no end-user can be trusted to keep systems...  Continue Reading

• Adobe improves collaboration and security features in Acrobat 7

  Adobe has improved security, collaboration and integration with enterprise software in the new version of the Acrobat document...  Continue Reading

• Meeting notes: 20 October 2004

  Beware imposing Draconian penalties and liabilities on your outsourcer supplier, as they will backfire on you.  Continue Reading

• Appoint a champion to lead IT to changes

  Setting a company-wide strategy for standards, technologies and suppliers can deliver a leaner, meaner business, if you put...  Continue Reading

• Protect yourself from meltdown

  Invading computer viruses can enslave your PC, destroy your data and ruin your business. Protect yourself from meltdown says...  Continue Reading

• Ease the pain of complying with legislation

  There is no way for IT directors to avoid the impact of regulation. Suppliers are of limited help but careful planning can reduce...  Continue Reading

• Get the most from your IP network

  Joe O’Halloran sees what you can expect to gain from a single converged network for your voice, video and data requirements  Continue Reading

• IP: The financial benefits

  How can you use IP networks to gain financial benefits in addition to taking advantage of sophisticated features? Antony Adshead...  Continue Reading

• Time for government to get tough

  In an extract from his bestselling book, security expert Bruce Schneier calls for legal reform to curb the activities of hackers...  Continue Reading

• House of Lords ruling increases confusion over IT patents

  A ruling in the House of Lords on patents will create more confusion about when companies can enforce patents on technology they...  Continue Reading

• Many medicines but no cure for online ID theft

  Banks and online retailers are struggling to protect their customers from criminals who covet their personal financial...  Continue Reading

• Security and integration burden AS400 managers

  Single sign-on, security, heavy workload and constantly changing technical and business requirements are among the issues that...  Continue Reading

• Use a carrot, not a stick on suppliers, says Yard

  Former Inland Revenue IT director says incentives, not penalties, are key to success  Continue Reading

• Boost performance with a five-step plan

  IT managers have become adept at cost-cutting during economic downturns, but initiatives for corporate expansion require a very...  Continue Reading

• Barbara Rembiesa, IAITAM president, talks about IT asset management

  Barbara Rembiesa is president of the International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers (IAITAM), a for-profit...  Continue Reading

• Four techniques that will become essential for securing growing IP-enabled networks

  IP devices are creating a network architecture that demands better security  Continue Reading

• Getting the green light from the board

  In an extract from his book, Common Approach, Uncommon Results, Ian Gotts discusses managers' information overload and how to get...  Continue Reading

• The threat from within: in-house security is business' Achilles' heel

  Modern working practices can expose companies to attack  Continue Reading

• Shifting business demands place burden on IT

  Dealing with shifting business demands will be the biggest challenge for UK IT directors over the next 12 months, according to a...  Continue Reading

• Harrow installs central database to help make housing services more accessible

  The London Borough of Harrow has installed a central database to help improve the way it runs council housing services.  Continue Reading

• Flexible approach will pay long-term dividends

  IP and IP networks, and the applications they support, can transform your company. The end result is that your business will...  Continue Reading

• The painless way to secure your firm

  David Bicknell delves into the vital area of the security of IP networks. He finds that there are a number of methodologies and...  Continue Reading

• Buyer be aware

  If you decide to embark upon the IP route, from whom will you be buying the essential technology? What knowledge does the average...  Continue Reading

• IP everything, essentially

  What are the fundamental deliverables of IP networks? How can you use IP networks to gain financial benefits in addition to...  Continue Reading

• The basis of profitability

  Not so long ago, you didn't have much choice - your IT and communications requirements were acquired, implemented and maintained...  Continue Reading

• Messaging threat affects firms of all sizes

  SMEs and City firms alike have caught staff divulging sensitive data through instant messaging systems. As use of the technology...  Continue Reading

• Negotiate recycling costs with suppliers

  Suppliers will be handling the disposal of old equipment under EU recycling laws in 2006, but IT managers should prepare now by...  Continue Reading

• Can Sun's JSC bridge Java complexity gap?

  Enterprise Java development remains challenging but will Sun's new kid on the block JSC build support to challenge the might of...  Continue Reading

• Follow basic principles to take the guesswork out of supplier choice

  Selecting the right software product has always been a difficult task. This summer Newham Borough Council attracted international...  Continue Reading

• Ballmer promises better security and value

  Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer showed himself ready to face up to user concerns about security and licensing when he...  Continue Reading

• Seize the time

  IT directors should take the initiative throughout the tendering, contract and support stages of their supplier relationship if...  Continue Reading

• Reading a sealed letter - making anti-virus measures and encryption work together

  Many users want encypted mail, but it can harbour viruses and dubious content  Continue Reading

• PeopleSoft's future hard to predict

  Oracle's plans for PeopleSoft have never been harder to read than they are now.  Continue Reading

• 'Throttle' highly connected users and reduce instant messaging worms

  A few users connected to popular instant messaging networks can spread worms - and restricting communications from "highly...  Continue Reading

• Security battle will never end, warns Ballmer

  Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft, is taking a realistic view of security, Microsoft's product road map, the...  Continue Reading

• Making more of Moore's Law

  Keeping to the rule that processing power will double every 18 months is a tough challenge, but developers have a few tricks up...  Continue Reading

• How can I improve standard documents?

  SME strategy special: Expert advice on desktop office productivity applications  Continue Reading

• Can you make network users pay to play?

  Tired of users gobbling network bandwidth? Charging for usage of the network can save costs, but IT directors should be aware...  Continue Reading

• Clean data, clean profit

  Big cost savings and improved return on investment are just two of the benefits of cleaning up your data and making sure it stays...  Continue Reading

• Arts bodies get template to follow IT best practice

  Arts organisations wanting to get their IT up to scratch now have a template to work from, thanks to a new IT management...  Continue Reading

• SSL VPNs make the connection with users

  Virtual private networks based on Secure Sockets Layer offer a simpler, more secure way for remote users to connect to corporate...  Continue Reading

• An end to one size fits all

  IT and communications suppliers realise that there is value in the SME market and have begun to produce cut-down versions of...  Continue Reading

• Management matters

  Cath Everett finds out how you stay on top of networking. What are the management issues related to your telecoms and networks...  Continue Reading

• Laying down the law

  What are the legal and regulatory issues that could affect the running of your company? What are their ramifications both in...  Continue Reading

• Making mobiles safe

  Need to protect your PDA or lock down your laptop? Danny Bradbury looks at how the IT industry is developing protection to shield...  Continue Reading

• Travelling light

  Wireless technology is key to better control of the supply chain. As Candice Goodwin discovered, it all comes down to getting...  Continue Reading

• Wall Street spells out security measures

  Senior Wall Street executives have outlined for Congress unprecedented security measures that continue to be revised and improved...  Continue Reading

• A model of efficiency

  Business process management can not only help automate everyday tasks, but any change to the infrastructure of the system can be...  Continue Reading

• NHS IT plan: the unanswered questions

  Briefing papers from NHS IT directors to their trust boards reflect both a desire to make the national programme succeed and...  Continue Reading

• Oracle switches to monthly patch as hackers target enterprise apps

  Single patch with multiple fixes issued for core enterprise productsl Security firms report rise in exploits against enterprise...  Continue Reading

• Bank of Ireland UK invests in reliable system

  As a financial services company, Bank of Ireland UK needed a highly scalable and reliable system  Continue Reading

• Seeboard feels power of Computacenter service

  Power utility Seeboard needed an IT partner to run its desktop and network servers while still allowing it to control its IT...  Continue Reading

• Computacenter delivers for Tradeteam

  Drinks logistics firm Tradeteam is able to deliver a high-quality IT services to its users with the help of Computacenter  Continue Reading

• Open Business Exchange finds host

  SiteHost provided the solution for e-invoice delivery service Open Business Exchange  Continue Reading

• Business as usual quest for Dundas & Wilson

  Law firm Dundas & Wilson had to build its entire IT infrastructure from scratch and still maintain its service to customers.  Continue Reading

• Setting the standards to make your firm flourish

  The knowledge and the implementation of the legislation and standards that impinge on managed services is vital. As Simon Quicke...  Continue Reading

• Balance of power shifts to users in IT disputes

  Many IT directors are still unaware of the legal protection they have when IT projects go wrong. This is despite the fact that a...  Continue Reading

• Olympic-size security demands advance planning

  By Peter Sayer If there's one thing the Atos Origin SA team understands as lead contractor for the Olympic IT infrastructure,...  Continue Reading

• Undercover operations

  Computer crime is on the rise, but collecting admissible evidence is a tricky business. Helen Beckett gets expert advice on what...  Continue Reading

• Undercover operation

  Computer crime is on the rise, but collecting evidence is a tricky business. Helen Beckett gets expert advice on what threats IT...  Continue Reading

• Removing the barriers to success

  All business relationships have some risk attached. Simon Quicke looks at the risks from managed services and how you can...  Continue Reading

• Web system lets Kent emergency services share crime data and plan use of resources

  Kent services share data via website to improve service planning  Continue Reading

• HP spells out adaptive enterprise strategy

  In an interview, Todd DeLaughter, vice-president and general manager of the Management Software Organisation at Hewlett-Packard,...  Continue Reading

• Doctors feel left out of NHSIT plans

  Support from clinicians for the government's £2.3bn national programme for IT (NPfIT) in the NHS seems to be faltering just as...  Continue Reading

• Stormy weather

  Take a leaf from the books of three IT directors who have endured serious management and technology problems and successfully...  Continue Reading

• MPs slam lack of clarity in ID card scheme

  Home Affairs Select Committee criticises the government's plans to introduce national ID cards as poorly thought out and lacking...  Continue Reading

• Cash in on invention

  IT directors could be in danger of unwittingly breaking patents if a draft EU directive is enacted. But they could also steal a...  Continue Reading

• Nature leads the way

  Ant hills are an unlikely source of inspiration, but some large organisations are developing biologically-based techniques in the...  Continue Reading

• Finance giants unwittingly offer 'phishers' a line

  Leading financial institutions have adopted a more aggressive attitude toward online identity theft cons known as "phishing...  Continue Reading

• Hack-proof and crash resistant - have you discovered the OS world's best-kept secret?

  OpenVMS offers unmatched robustness for business-critical apps  Continue Reading

• Mass Trojan on the loose

  Anti-virus and e-mail security companies have issued warnings about a new Trojan horse program that they claim is being...  Continue Reading

• Compliance: Make it work for you

  Compliance offers the opportunity for IT directors to overhaul business processes, make major savings and increase efficiency....  Continue Reading

• Decision not to publish Gateway reviews does not bear scrutiny - and here's why

  It is in the public interest to publish reviews of public sector IT projects.  Continue Reading

• MaxDB fitted out with 64-bit support

  SAP and partner MySQL are building support for 64-bit computing into SAP's open-source database.  Continue Reading

• I'm mobile, fly me

  A field force brandishing PDAs can give a company an instant lift. But cultural, operational and security issues need to be...  Continue Reading

• Standards will determine RFID's success

  Many technologies have stumbled over standards. Mark Vernon assesses whether RFID tags have a solid enough grounding for them to...  Continue Reading

• Bichard criticisms spur Home Office move on national police intelligence network

  Police forces in England and Wales lag behind Scottish data management model  Continue Reading

• This sporting IT life

  International sport can offer the IT professional a unique opportunity to work in a field they feel passionately about. Lindsay...  Continue Reading

• Inland Revenue readies itself for handover

  The Inland Revenue is about to transfer its IT systems and staff from EDS to Capgemini, but will its beleaguered tax systems cope...  Continue Reading

• The art of successful offshore outsourcing

  Even IT executives who have successfully outsourced parts of their services abroad can tell you the road to profitable relations...  Continue Reading

• Rise in web-based help opens up career path for technical writers

  Technical writers reduce pressure on the IT helpdesk  Continue Reading

• Arup dumps 80 devices for a 32Tbyte San

  Engineering consultancy Arup has migrated from direct-attached storage to a storage area network using a centralised storage...  Continue Reading

• Half of firms rebuke staff for excessive use of e-mail

  Staff abuse of e-mail at work poses a far bigger problem to employers than internet misuse, according to an annual survey by the...  Continue Reading

• Finance firm gives IT staff chance to improve skills and specialise

  Open-minded approach helps to develop staff  Continue Reading

• Experts voice concern over national identity cards

  Experts voice concern that thte government's ID card scheme goes beyond its brief and could raise data protection issues and...  Continue Reading

• On the edge

  Too many costly government IT projects come to grief or badly fail to live up to expectations. Tony Collins examines the common...  Continue Reading

• Cyberthreats create change

  Interview with GM security chief, Eric Litt  Continue Reading

• What makes a successful project?

  Lessons from the Tif Awards shortlist  Continue Reading

• Attack forces name server host to increase security

  Akamai Technologies said that the Domain Name System problems it encountered were the result of a sophisticated and targeted...  Continue Reading

• Thought for the day: Bloated by a surfeit of spam

  Even Simon Moores' Gmail account is not immune  Continue Reading

• Minimising the risk of change - Managing the IT Services Process by Noel Bruton

  All changes to systems, methods and processes carry with them some element of risk.  Continue Reading