In Depth

In Depth

Network software

• Buying a VPN? Here’s what you need to know

  VPNs are an effective cyber security tool for businesses and remote workers, but there are many things to consider before purchasing and implementing one. We explore some of these  Continue Reading

• Anti-money laundering technology must operate in a collaborative ecosystem

  With new technologies making it easier for banks to spot money laundering activity, we look at why the problem persists at scale, finding that ecosystems and collaborative processes need to be built  Continue Reading

• Being the brand: Virgin takes SD-WAN to the next level

  Companies are increasingly turning to software-defined wide-area networks to address the needs of remote workforces  Continue Reading

• Three network technologies driven by cloud-native computing

  Networking technologies are being driven heavily by digitisation and cloud computing. Gartner picks three networking trends to watch  Continue Reading

• The new reality of 5G

  5G’s development has been driven by a variety of use cases leading to a multi-service capability – a network of networks. But what is the reality of this, and how is it expected to change as we move forward?  Continue Reading

• Ericsson reveals plans for 5G, IoT – and self-driving buses

  World’s third biggest maker of telecommunication equipment reveals its plans for new technologies including 5G, the internet of things and automation  Continue Reading

• Norway’s autonomous ships point to new horizons

  Norway is a pioneer in the autonomisation of shipping, which conveys environmental benefits as well as efficiency gains – but human mariners are likely to stay on board for a while yet  Continue Reading

• What are the CDN options for enterprises?

  We look at how content delivery networks can give your organisation’s web presence a literal edge  Continue Reading

• What are the SD-WAN requirements for a multicloud environment?

  SD-WAN is becoming an important option for businesses migrating branch and other edge communications to the cloud. But what makes a successful deployment?  Continue Reading

• The pitfalls of multicloud network management

  Migrating to and managing a multicloud network introduces new complexities into the network. We look at how to avoid the potential pitfalls  Continue Reading

• What are the current SD-WAN options for enterprises?

  Software-defined wide area networking is well on its way to being a multi-billion dollar market. We assess the current state of the market and look at some of the options for enterprise CIOs and network managers  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking: gathering momentum in the enterprise?

  Suppliers are pushing the benefits of software-defined networking harder than ever, and enterprises are starting to take the plunge rather than remaining on the sidelines  Continue Reading

• How Turkish mobile operators are helping the vast Syrian refugee population to help themselves

  Turkish mobile network operators are designing services that will help Syrian refugees make their lives in the country  Continue Reading

• ASEAN enterprises readying networks for the cloud era

  Enterprise networks are being strained by greater use of cloud computing, leading more ASEAN organisations to turn to SD-WAN to reduce network costs and complexity  Continue Reading

• Net gain? Why networks matter when it comes to hyper-convergence

  The rise of hyper-convergence is radically changing how enterprises manage their IT estates, but its effect on the network has yet to be fully realised  Continue Reading

• UK sale of surveillance equipment to Macedonia raises questions over export licence policy

  The UK approved an export licence for the sale of surveillance equipment to Macedonia – while the country was engaged in an illegal surveillance programme against its citizens. A senior minister was consulted on the decision  Continue Reading

• Hard work, big prize: Bristol is shaping what it means to be a smart city

  Two-and-a-half years after the ambitious Bristol is Open smart city project launched, we return to the West Country to explore how things are progressing, and find out what has been learned  Continue Reading

• What is intent-based networking, and what can it do for your business?

  Beyond the marketing hype, does intent-based networking mean anything, and can it improve how your infrastructure runs?  Continue Reading

• Formula 1: Mercedes team turns to big data in quest for victory in Grand Prix

  Data analytics could help Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team gain an edge on rival Ferrari during the 2017 and 2018 Grand Prix season. Its head of IT, Matt Harris, reveals the team’s plans  Continue Reading

• How will the network manager’s role change in the SDN world?

  We explore how traditional network managers are changing the habits of a lifetime as SDN remakes the enterprise network  Continue Reading

• Digital transformation gives CIOs chance to be agents of change

  Whether it’s the IoT, cloud, mobility, big data or analytics, there is always something new to grapple with. Attendees found out how to keep up at Cisco Live in Las Vegas  Continue Reading

• CIO Interview: Graeme Hackland, Williams Martini Racing

  Williams Martini Racing CIO Graeme Hackland discusses network infrastructure, data analytics and the future for wearable tech and augmented reality in Formula 1 motor racing  Continue Reading

• Why are telcos so readily adopting open standards for NFV?

  Communications services providers are lining up to make their future virtualised networks as open as possible. What’s the attraction?  Continue Reading

• Software-defined networking in Europe: The state of play

  What stage of the evolution of software-defined networking are we really at, and when will the hype turn to reality?  Continue Reading

• Software-defined datacentres a work in progress

  IT managers need to adopt interim SDDC offerings and build on them as the technology matures  Continue Reading

• Network strategies for 2015

  Looking at the bigger picture provides an opportunity to assess what emerging companies are doing to redefine networking thinking  Continue Reading

• The technology opportunity for UK shopping centres

  While retailers are setting the innovation barrier high, how are shopping centres using technology to improve their customer offerings?  Continue Reading

• Networking technologies emerging in the enterprise

  We look at the latest networking technologies on offer, and those being adopted in the enterprise  Continue Reading

• Put your business users first when building your global network

  A guide for commissioning best-fit network services  Continue Reading

• After VLANs: managing the new virtualised networks

  Managing an ever-changing network landscape calls for as much automation as possible. Can Juniper, HP and Cisco help?  Continue Reading

• Mobile VPNs: Battered but not broken

  With weaknesses exposed in mobile VPNs in recent months, we examine if they are safe for companies to deploy  Continue Reading

• No more email? Why companies are turning to collaboration technology

  Collaboration technologies are helping companies improve their employees' work-life balance  Continue Reading

• A guide to WebRTC

  Real-time communications standards aim to help more users speak with ease over the internet. Computer Weekly looks at how the systems work  Continue Reading

• Shining a light on The OpenDaylight Project

  Steve Evans looks at the progress so far of the software defined networking (SDN) consortium and its effects on the networking industry  Continue Reading

• VPNs: The past, present and future

  We give you a rundown of all you need to know about virtual private networks and how the cloud is changing their future  Continue Reading

• CW500: The rise of the machines – how devices are taking over the internet

  By 2020, there will be a trillion sensors sending data over the internet  Continue Reading

• The open source impact on networking

  As other areas of the technology industry embrace open source, how is the trend affecting networking?  Continue Reading

• The dark side of software-defined datacentres

  As different suppliers have different strategies for software-defined datacentres, is the lack of standards leading to chaos?  Continue Reading

• Do businesses need to pay for VoIP?

  Free services offer VoIP to the masses, but are they reliable enough to use in enterprises or do they need pricey unified communications?  Continue Reading

• The history of OpenFlow

  Computer Weekly takes a look back at the beginnings of the software-defined networking protocol and the technology behind it  Continue Reading

• Management tools to create a Workload-Centric Network

  Software-defined networking provides the means to automate networks to better support a range of different workloads.  Continue Reading

• SDN will change the world of network professionals

  By providing the capability to move a large proportion of a switch’s work to an abstracted software layer, SDN is the way forward.  Continue Reading

• SDN will transform your network – but not just yet

  Software-defined networking (SDN) will revolutionise the router and switch business and wipe millions off costs. So what’s holding it up?  Continue Reading

• Top 10 networking stories of 2012

  We give a run down of the top 10 stories in the networking industry throughout 2012  Continue Reading

• The IT challenges of building Heathrow's Terminal 2

  Neil Clark, CIO of Heathrow, reveals the IT challenges behind the airport's futuristic Terminal 2 building  Continue Reading

• Top 10 supplier profiles 2012

  Download in-depth reports on leading IT suppliers from Computer Weekly  Continue Reading

• BYOD policy gives London university users network access flexibility

  A London university has undergone a network infrastructure upgrade to make way for a BYOD policy, offering staff and students more network access flexibility and capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Buyer's Guide: How to prepare your organisation for IPv6

  The switch to IPv6 – on 6 June – shows just how imminent the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is. Is your organisation ready?  Continue Reading

• Forrester: The next wave of virtualisation

  Virtualisation is evolving. IT departments now have a raft of products to deploy within their infrastructure, optimised for virtualisation.  Continue Reading

• Cisco Live Europe 2012 Coverage

  If you didn’t have a chance to make it out to the London ExCeL Centre, for Cisco Live Europe, read our coverage of the conference.  Continue Reading

• Computer Weekly / TechTarget IT priorities survey 2012

  Learn which IT priorities are at the top of UK IT managers lists for 2012. Coverage from across our network includes cloud, budget cuts, networking, security, disaster recovery and more.  Continue Reading

• Re-skilling through the Open University to get into IT

  Ian Kelly, a 34-year-old IT specialist, is preparing to take the next step in his career, and turned to the Open University to improve his skills.  Continue Reading

• Flatter, faster, more manageable networks

  As companies rely ever more on IT for enabling their business operations, networks have become the vital plumbing  Continue Reading

• Case study: De Vere on cloud nine with Claranet’s managed application hosting & networks

  A number of strategic acquisitions and brand mergers form what is today known as the De Vere Group. With acquisitions however, come a plethora of IT challenges – and De Vere was no exception. Jo Stanford, Group IT Director, commented: “Initial Style...  Continue Reading

• Secure your SCADA architecture by separating networks

  Many critical national infrastructure systems include supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) functionality. These systems can be viewed as the set of software, computers and networks that provide remote co-ordination of controls systems ...  Continue Reading

• How to combat Stuxnet

  ISSA’s Raj Samani suggests that within control system networks where only known applications run, a simple strategy to combat Stuxnet would be to allow only authorised executables to run and deny everything else.  Continue Reading

• A guide to social networking in the enterprise

  Social computing is a social structure in which technology puts power in communities, not institutions.  Continue Reading

• Case study: Fulham FC kicks off IT transformation

  Oldest football club in London starts drive to implement series of technology initiatives after revamping infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Buyers guide to network security

  For years network security has been seen as central to preventing the undesirable outside world gaining access to corporate networks.  Continue Reading

• Buyers guide: A business case for network security

  UK-based IT security managers may find the ICO's newly granted powers to impose penalties of up to £500,000 for Data Protection Act breaches boosts the value proposition.  Continue Reading

• Aviva uses Web 2.0 to build corporate culture with global reach

  A string of acquisitions and mergers over the past few years turned Aviva into the world's fifth-largest insurance company, but left a heady.  Continue Reading

• Securing the mobile enterprise Executive Overview

  How to reduce the security risk to business assets when deploying mobile technologies  Continue Reading

• Mobile broadband to evolve in 2009

  In 2009 mobile computing will likely undergo an evolutionary advance with the arrival of what analysts are calling premium mobile broadband services  Continue Reading

• Hosting brings it all together for Unite

  Unite Form is a web design and development agency specialising in marketing, branding and development for a range of clients. Providing services across the entire country, the firm deals with a wide client base from SMEs to very large enterprises. ...  Continue Reading

• Networking for virtualisation

  You may have taken the virtualisation shilling ,...  Continue Reading

• Networking at liberty to improve SMB’s network performance

  Liberty Living, the Brandeaux Student Funds brand, is the fastest growing student and key worker accommodation provider in the UK. Providing over 10,000 beds in 14 Cities, Liberty Living works in conjunction with Universities and other ...  Continue Reading

• The right network infrastructure puts SME in the picture

  Media Storehouse creates e-commerce websites based around photography. The company offers two distinct photographic services: it creates online image libraries for sports clubs and media outlets, enabling the general public to select and buy prints ...  Continue Reading

• Perfect synergy to address SMBs’ connectivity issues

  The Synergy Housing Group is one of the largest social housing providers in the south of England. It helps build thriving neighbourhoods where people choose to live. Like any business, it relies on effective communication and the ability to grow and...  Continue Reading

• Expanding past core networking for business continuity and success

  MediaVest is the UK’s largest independent media agency. Formed in 1994 it has grown rapidly attracting a large collection of prestigious clients. This growth has been helped by a focus on exploiting the latest advertising media and strategies, ...  Continue Reading

• Internet service reaches for the stars through the cloud

  Missing Link Communications is a networking specialist established in 1997. It builds both wide and local area networks for small and medium sized clients. It designed and implemented a WAN for Blackwell’s bookshops, for example, and at JJB Sports’ ...  Continue Reading

• Managed service the right form for building firm

  RMD Kwikform, who employs 200 people in the UK and has around 800 employees worldwide, designs and supplies formwork, shoring, access and safety solutions for the construction industry. It operates on a hire and sale basis worldwide, using its own ...  Continue Reading

• Telecommuting beating the credit crunch

  In order that they stay competitive and innovative, businesses cannot afford to stop investing in technology says Florian Malecki, Sonic Wall's Product Marketing Manager.  Continue Reading

• Peace of mind through trusted IT services

  Email is absolutely crucial to Campbell Hooper who has a duty of care to protect clients and make sure that confidential client information is kept secure  Continue Reading

• Peace of mind with flexible, reliable and secure IT services

  For a number of years, Oxfam GB employed a small web hosting company but as it grew, Oxfam GB began to feel restricted by the size of this supplier, mainly due to its lack of investment in the technology infrastructure and the limited services ...  Continue Reading

• Safe, secure and supported benefits for SMBs

  Given that reputation is key to the success of its business, Caversham Buchanan sees security of the utmost importance and the company faced a security challenge, the majority of its 22 advisors work from home or from customer sites and need to be ...  Continue Reading

• Solving business challenges without increasing IT budget

  With nine major sites throughout Cornwall, Devon and Somerset as well as eight smaller offices, Connexions Cornwall and Devon Ltd employs around 450 people, giving 13-19 year olds information, advice, guidance and practical help in preparing for ...  Continue Reading

• Networks enable innovation

  Innovation is key to survival in any economic downturn, but for many small and medium businesses (SMBs) it is often one of the first casualties.  Continue Reading

• Using networking to beat the downturn

  The pressures on today’s businesses are unrelenting and in order to survive in these most challenging times today’s businesses must extend their reach to their fullest potential, enabling more people in more places access to more information.  Continue Reading

• Managed IT solutions tailor made for SMBs

  With technology having become an an integral part of almost all modern businesses, the supply of IT services has become an essential part of how we all work.  Continue Reading

• M2 drives hosting advantages

  The growth of the internet has resulted in a plethora of niche businesses offering products and services to help maintain every conceivable aspect of IT management. Even though these products can work admirably well they are often targeted at a ...  Continue Reading

• Get a grip on datacentre power and cooling costs

  We know that organisations are becoming more focused on the power usage across the various aspects of their business. For those companies with significant...  Continue Reading

• Securing your network without firewalls

  It all seemed so simple.  Continue Reading

• Securing applications on the network

  When it comes to securing applications on a network, limiting privileges is the golden rule. Vulnerabilities that expose web applications start with the...  Continue Reading

• Green Storage and the challenges of data growth

  Whatever their long-term view ought to be, many people see the premium on green goods as discretionary, and among the first thing to be cut when times get...  Continue Reading

• XAM: a guide to standardising archives

  How much money has your organisation invested in storage systems and processes over the last decade? Chances are you have spent many millions of pounds storing...  Continue Reading

• Video: Stay light, stay nimble

  Keeping down IT costs without detriment to a company’s productivity, agility or competitive edge has long been a challenge for businesses. As the economy lurches downwards, organisations of all sizes, but especially small to medium-sized enterprises...  Continue Reading

• Profitable growth whatever the climate

  Managing growth is a critical part of a company’s development at any time, not least during a recession. The key is to remain in control as staff numbers increase, operations multiply and customer volumes threaten relationship intimacy. Focus and ...  Continue Reading

• Best IT blogs: Full shortlist for Computer Weekly's IT Blog Awards 2008

  Shortlist for Computer Weekly's IT Blog Awards 2008 in full, with links direct to all the shortlisted blogs.  Continue Reading

• Evolution of the internet protocol virtual private network

  Fran Howath, principal analyst, Quocirca Many organisations today operate in complex, distributed environments that encompass multiple branch offices...  Continue Reading

• Businesses must keep back door locked to hackers

  Once the focus of IT security was the network and its perimeter: stop hackers and viruses getting onto your network and you will secure your business. But over the last couple of years, businesses have begun to realise they left the back door open.  Continue Reading

• Managing endpoint security

  With network access expanding from the office to the home, securing the network perimeter is among a security admin's top concerns. In preparing for the threats that come with remote access, however, it can be easier to secure traditional network ...  Continue Reading

• Microsoft network endpoint security tips and tactics

  Securing network endpoints is imperative when protecting sensitive data. Learn how to secure your network endpoints in this section of our network access learning guide.  Continue Reading

• Voice application delivery gets boost

  Delivery of voice applications improved when one company used an application session controller as a gateway to its network.  Continue Reading

• University tracks network to success

  Dundee University is upgrading its network to prevent downtime and meet rising demand. Asset-tracking software is helping to make the transition easier  Continue Reading

• Network access control learning guide

  From PDAs to insecure wireless modems, users have myriad options for connecting to -- and infecting -- the network. Created in partnership with our sister site SearchSecurity.com, this guide offers tips and expert advice on network access control. ...  Continue Reading

• Beware security test errors

  There are many mistakes one can and does make, causing weaknesses in your network. Protect your network further by avoiding these five security assessment mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Not looking at the whole security picture

  There are many mistakes one can and does make, causing weaknesses in your network. Protect your network further by avoiding these five security assessment mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Avoiding security assessment mistakes

  There are many mistakes one can and does make, causing weaknesses in your network. Protect your network further by avoiding these five security assessment mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Relying on security audit checklists

  There are many mistakes one can and does make, causing weaknesses in your network. Protect your network further by avoiding these five security assessment mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Case studies: Public transport project management

  Developing and implementing IT systems for a transport network is a challenging undertaking.  Continue Reading