Business applications
At the heart of enterprise software strategy are the key business applications upon which every organisation relies. From enterprise resource planning (ERP) to customer relationship management (CRM), financial and accounts software to business intelligence (BI), such applications demand high investments and can deliver high returns. We analyse the latest product developments and the news from major suppliers such as Oracle, Microsoft and SAP.
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News
01 May 2025
Progress made on government’s Post Office Capture redress, but concerns remain
Latest meeting between campaigners and business department seen as positive, but frustration and concerns remain Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2025
The year of the ESL in UK retail
Multiple forces combining to make the electronic shelf label one of the more sought-after items to add to retailers’ tech stacks Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2016
CW@50: The heyday of British computing - how the Brits ruled IT
We examine how the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s became an age of great innovation for the British computer industry Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2016
Automated financial advice service causes RBS job losses
RBS announces job cuts as it invests in automated services designed to give online financial advice Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2016
The Christie speeds up SPC charts to improve clinical processes
Cancer specialist NHS trust implements statistical process control chart creation tool in data visualisation software Tableau to improve processes and save money Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2016
RWE chief executive points to SAP billing system as cause of npower losses
Npower has announced a radical restructuring plan, shedding 2,400 jobs on the back of losses of €137m. Its parent company’s CEO identified an SAP billing system as the source of the UK unit’s woes Continue Reading
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E-Zine
08 Mar 2016
Building datacentres under the sea
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at Microsoft’s trial of an underwater datacentre and assess the technology and environmental implications of running cloud services under the sea. As PC suppliers build new products around Windows 10, we ask if the desktop PC is set to be reinvented. And with ransomware on the rise, we examine the threat of cyber extortion. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Mar 2016
Combine data mining and simulation to maximise process improvement
Data mining and computer simulation can be used together to better model and improve industrial processes, city development and other complex systems Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2016
Outsourcer MSXI puts Microsoft cloud in driving seat
Business process outsourcer MSXI has replaced Salesforce with a Microsoft business applications stack to support its car dealership business Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2016
Mobile apps could put an end to ‘hated’ staff appraisals
Josh Bersin, founder of Bersin by Deloitte, reveals the top HR technology trends for 2016 Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2016
CIO interview: Ismo Platan, SSAB
Retiring CIO of Swedish steel company tells Computer Weekly about the progress made in merging two Nordic steel firms and looks at the biggest hurdles that lie ahead Continue Reading
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Photo Story
10 Feb 2016
Future technology at the World Government Summit 2016
Delegates at the World Government Summit 2016 in Dubai discussed themes including the future role of governments, robotics and AI, smart cities, sustainable development, renewable energy and longevity. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
10 Feb 2016
CW Nordics: February 2016
The Nordic region is often described as a region that is leading the way in terms of the use of modern IT. The region needs IT to make up for factors such as having a small population, with many isolated communities. So IT both helps the region punch above its weight in business and enables its residents to receive services effectively. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2016
Insurance giant RSA announces another outsourcing deal
Insurance company RSA has penned its second major outsourcing contract in a week as it extends a BPO contract with Accenture Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2016
AstraZeneca IT insourcing exceeds expectation
The man heading up AstraZeneca’s project to insource its IT updates Computer Weekly on progress and explains the early benefits being reaped Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Feb 2016
How software protects people
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how software is helping to maintain safety in high-risk sectors like oil & gas, aerospace and healthcare – and what lessons they hold for other organisations. We offer six tips from CIOs for innovation with data. And after the HSBC cyber attack, we examine the continuing threat to businesses from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2016
Post Office faces group litigation over Horizon IT as subpostmasters fund class action
Subpostmasters who claim to have been wrongly convicted of fraud take the Post Office to court after getting the funds for a group action Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2016
Wal-Mart to make huge data and analytics investment in India
Retail giant Wal-Mart is investing heavily in its IT development centre in Bangalore, turning the city into its most important centre outside the US Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2016
Microsoft to donate $1bn worth of cloud computing resources
Microsoft's $1bn cloud computing donation is aimed at helping NGOs, academic research and developing countries Continue Reading
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E-Zine
19 Jan 2016
Is government surveillance going too far?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, as the UK prepares new laws on surveillance and data collection, we hear from security experts on the challenges of balancing privacy and security and their insider view on GHCQ and the NSA. We examine the growing threat of ransomware and how to tackle it. And we look at the implications of new EU data protection rules. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2016
Digitisation connects customers to companies on a new level
‘Digital’ provides more ways for people and businesses to connect than ever before, and a transformed role for IT in businesses old and new Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Jan 2016
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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News
15 Jan 2016
CIO interview: Kari Saarikoski, Finnair
Finnair is on a digital transformation journey and the airline’s CIO is changing the IT department as it progresses Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Jan 2016
How open source is beating proprietary software
In this week’s Computer Weekly, our latest buyer’s guide assesses the impact of open source software on corporate IT and how its growth is underpinning the digital revolution. We examine the prospects for cloud in financial services as regulators give their approval. And we ask if Uber is really part of a new business model for the so-called sharing economy. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jan 2016
Interview: James Bamford on surveillance, Snowden and technology companies
Investigative journalist and documentary maker James Bamford was among the first to uncover the secrets of the US National Security Agency and its global surveillance Continue Reading
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News
24 Dec 2015
Top 10 financial services IT stories of 2015
The financial services industry is undergoing unprecedented change, driven by IT and regulation. Continue Reading
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News
23 Dec 2015
CIO interview: Henry Cohen, CIO, Telegraph Media Group
The newspaper publisher is developing an agile mindset in response to the growth of digital over printed publications Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2015
Royal Mail acquires cloud platform
Royal Mail acquires cloud-based delivery company as automation and better use of data become essential in a rapidly changing sector Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2015
Poundland launches e-commerce Christmas push with Rackspace managed support
Budget retailer has turned to Rackspace to ensure its first foray into online retail can withstand the seasonal rush Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2015
Case study: Airbus sets out challenges of changing IT supplier
Aircraft manufacturer sets out what it learned from switching IT provider after 12 years of working together Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2015
Three tips to help reduce Oracle licensing costs
London councils are spending hundreds of thousands of pounds a year with Oracle. Controlling these costs is the first step in taming Oracle licensing Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Dec 2015
How to free your business and staff with self-service
Introducing self-service IT can improve efficiency and hand control to the employee – so long as it’s done right Continue Reading
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News
03 Dec 2015
Workday ringfences support in Europe after Safe Harbour ruled unsafe
US cloud HR and financial services provider reponds to Safe Harbour failure by ringfencing European data Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2015
TUI develops apps to keep in touch with holidaymakers all year
Travel group plans to create mobile apps for holidaymakers to ask questions, book excursions and potentially plan their next trip Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2015
CIO interview: Turkka Keskinen, UPM
Finnish paper and forest products firm’s CIO tells Computer Weekly about the journey towards cloud-only IT Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2015
SAP UK&I User Group Conference 2015: Newcastle University puts ERP on Hana
Newcastle University has put enterprise resource planning and data warehouse data on SAP’s Hana platform in a proof of concept project Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2015
First steps taken on 'omni-channel' customer experience
The future customer experience might be personalised, but there is a long road ahead yet Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2015
Post Office IT support email reveals known Horizon flaw
An email from Post Office IT support reveals a problem with the Horizon system and supporting processes that could lead to accounting errors Continue Reading
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News
17 Nov 2015
Deutsche Bank signs India’s HCL Technologies for digital services and systems integration
Deutsche Bank is expanding its long-established relationship with IT services supplier HCL Technologies as it forges on with its digital transformation Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2015
Does Cambridge University Hospital’s Epic project indicate NHS lacks capacity?
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s £200m eHospital project was seen as a model of how an NHS trust could revolutionise its IT, autonomously. A tale of over-ambition? Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2015
Communication Workers Union warns subpostmasters of flaw in Post Office Horizon accounting system
The union that represents Post Office subpostmasters has warned of a problem with the Horizon accounting system at the centre of a long-running dispute Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2015
Australia's outsourced datacentre market rising on back of cloud computing
Datacentre investment in Australia is growing fast as corporates use data-intensive applications delivered via the cloud Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2015
A tale of two HPs: Hewlett-Packard splits into two digital businesses
The two Hewlett-Packard (HP) businesses are both digitally aligned. HP Enterprise is pushing hybrid clouds; HP Inc is taking the road to 3D printing Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2015
CIO interview: Torben Høeg Bonde, Vestas
The CIO at Danish wind turbine company Vestas is playing a key role in turning the company into a software supplier Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2015
Met Office's new supercomputer to deliver £2bn of socio-economic benefits
The Met Office aims to realise a range of socio-economic benefits to UK industries thanks to improved forecasting with its new Cray supercomputer Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2015
Tech will turn HR into a ‘productivity department’
HR technologies are moving away from managing staff in favour of helping them become more productive Continue Reading
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News
28 Oct 2015
British American Tobacco saves £1.4m after automating candidate selection
British American Tobacco uses custom profiling software to cut the number of applications managers have to screen by half, as part of a major re-organisation of its recruitment processes Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2015
Oracle OpenWorld 2015: Larry Ellison vaunts Oracle’s cloud services over rivals
Larry Ellison promoted his company’s cloud services and berated rivals in his opening keynote at Oracle OpenWorld 2015 Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2015
Transforming Singapore Post through modern technology
When Singapore Post realised it had to change its business model to survive, it appointed its first CIO to front the technology transformation Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2015
Yakult uses data analytics to boost growth in the Netherlands by 20%
Probiotics maker Yakult is using analytics and data visualisation tools to boost its sales in the Netherlands Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2015
UK retailers could use data analytics more to cash in on Black Friday
Research by data visualisation supplier Tableau suggests British retailers could do better with analytics as Black Friday looms Continue Reading
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News
23 Oct 2015
German rail and transport group turns to virtual reality in war for talent
Deutsche Bahn claims to be the first company in Germany to use virtual reality as a recruitment tool Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2015
MySQL 5.7 aims at deeper convergence with Oracle tech and NoSQL
MySQL 5.7 has been released with next-generation hardware in mind, offering greater interoperability with Oracle and NoSQL database technologies Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2015
James Arbuthnot takes Post Office IT fight to House of Lords
James Arbuthnot takes his seat in the House of Lords and continues campaign for subpostmasters who claim to have been wronged by faulty Horizon IT system Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2015
Opera chooses Workday over Oracle as it moves HR to cloud
Browser company Opera opts for slick internal IT as it competes with Apple and Google for skilled technologists Continue Reading
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Photo Story
16 Oct 2015
An introduction to the Microsoft Business Store
Microsoft is building a way to enable Windows 10 enterprise users get the business applications, enabling IT to deploy them centrally Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2015
Silicon Valley startups pitch to solve next-generation business IT problems
We visit Silicon Valley to meet some of the emerging tech companies focusing on enterprise IT Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2015
Tesco decides to keep Dunnhumby after strategic review of business
Supermarket giant Tesco has scrapped plans to sell analytics arm Dunnhumby after restructuring and analysing its assets Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2015
Workday seeks growth, not profit, as it expands in Europe
Cloud services company Workday is setting its sights on growth as it expands from cloud HR, to finance, learning and analytics Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Oct 2015
Ford reduces injuries with virtual assembly programme
Ford is using computer-aided design to help reduce cases of productivity-sapping musculoskeletal disorders caused by the labour process Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Oct 2015
How technology is helping deliver aid to Syrian refugees in the Middle East
The Syrian refugee crisis has engulfed the Middle East, but technology is proving to be an essential tool to help aid organisations support displaced people Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2015
Legal documents reveal HP's failings over Autonomy
The board of Hewlett-Packard (HP) knew about Autonomy’s failings – yet voted the $11.1bn acquisition through regardless, internal memos have revealed Continue Reading
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News
29 Sep 2015
Nationwide Building Society deploys artificial intelligence to reduce back-end complexity
Nationwide Building Society is using artificial intelligence to help it reduce the complexity of its back-end systems as it introduces more digital products Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2015
Nordea Bank signs Temenos and Accenture for core banking transformation
Nordea Bank AB has chosen the core banking system it wants to build its digital future on, signing Temenos and Accenture as technology partners Continue Reading
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News
22 Sep 2015
Is Microsoft Office 2016 reliable enough for business?
A day after a major Skype outage, Microsoft unveils Office 2016, which, ironically, offers tight integration with Skype Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2015
Health chief 'should be held to account' for whistleblow errors
Former nurse and clincial commissioner Bernie Rochford claims unfair dismissal after blowing the whistle on IT problems which put patient care at risk Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2015
Almost 30% of retailers use facial recognition technology to track consumers in store
Retailers are using more technology in store to track customer behaviour, with the younger generation finding it useful for their shopping experience Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2015
CIO interview: Rob Threadgold, global head of IT infrastructure and operations, ICBC Standard Bank
Standard Bank is taking a global approach to IT challenges following its acquisition by Chinese banking giant ICBC Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Sep 2015
Case study: Philips takes agile approach to building bridges between business and IT
Dutch technology giant talks up the success of its attempts to embrace agile IT delivery methods, and how it's shaping future customer engagements Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2015
NHS trust denies bullying and intimidation of IT whistleblower
Managers were already aware of whistleblower's concerns about the accuracy of NHS Southwark's data, tribunal hears Continue Reading
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News
11 Sep 2015
Financial services watchdog wastes money on Oracle licences
The Financial Conduct Authority admits it has fallen victim to the complex nature of software licensing that dogs companies in the sector it serves Continue Reading
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News
11 Sep 2015
Case study: French delivery company Chronopost looks to NoSQL for big data challenge
French delivery company Chronopost is using open-source NoSQL systems to improve services and customer retention Continue Reading
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News
09 Sep 2015
Early plans for Universal Credit show DWP expected to complete project in two years
An early plan drawn up by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for its Universal Credit scheme reveals unrealistic ambitions for the troubled project Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2015
The Data School: Former Facebook employee launches training programme for future data analysts
After working at Facebook as a data analyst, Andy Kriebel explains why he moved to the UK and launched a training programme for data scientists Continue Reading
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News
03 Sep 2015
Al Rayan Bank finds business agility in cloud applications
Al Rayan Bank believes its investment in cloud applications gives it an edge in business agility Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Sep 2015
Why Pegasystems' CEO, Alan Trefler, has learned to think smaller
Pegasystems has made its name supplying CRM, analytics and case management software to the world's largest companies. Now CEO Alan Trefler plans to use cloud computing to broaden Pega's appeal Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Aug 2015
Councils explore options for online mapping tools
Councils are drawing on Ordnance Survey, Google Maps and OpenStreet Map for online mapping. What’s the optimal mix? Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2015
Hootsuite moves social media management toolkit to IBM Softlayer cloud
Social media management dashboard maker shifts App Directory to IBM cloud Continue Reading
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E-Zine
05 Aug 2015
CW Europe – August 2015
Data is a valuable thing nowadays, and more businesses are collecting it for exactly that reason. However, with the collection of data also comes concern for consumers and governments over where the data is stored and what companies will do with it. This issue of CW Europe investigates the different cultural attitudes towards data management ethics. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2015
Sage Summit 2015: The move to cloud technology and the death of ERP
Accountancy software firm Sage has released new cloud-based software, highlighting the gap between the use of cloud and on-premise in the workplace and declaring a move away from traditional ERP Continue Reading
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E-Zine
04 Aug 2015
Cyber risks hit the road
In this week's Computer Weekly, after hackers took remote control of a Jeep Cherokee, we assess the security concerns for internet-connected cars. With the growth of digital banking, is there a need for high-street branches anymore? And we examine whether email overload is hindering the UK's economic productivity. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Aug 2015
Digital transformation needs business leaders to develop new skills
A panel of experts discuss the capabilities business leaders and corporate IT need to develop for digital Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2015
Software project will save Ford tens of millions a year in car repair bills
Car maker Ford is rolling out sophisticated warranty software to 12,000 dealers worldwide in a project that is expected to bring rapid financial returns Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2015
IBM steps up open-source cloud commitment to developers
Big Blue has unveiled several open-source initiatives geared towards helping developers make cloud apps Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jul 2015
Business cases emerge from growing pains of Hadoop 1.0
The hype around the early generation of Hadoop is giving way to the reality of business programmes based on Hadoop 2 and Apache Spark Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2015
Comparethemarket uses Cloudera to gain single view of customer data
Price comparison site Comparethemarket has turned to Cloudera’s Hadoop distribution to get a better view of customer data from different channels. Doug Cutting, the father of Hadoop, explains Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jul 2015
Better user acceptance testing through log management
Application log management provides insight into application behaviour, which can be used to build better software and gain a better hold of user acceptance testing Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2015
CIO interview: Lars Ruben Hansen, Rema 1000 Denmark and Reitan Distribution
The CIO of supermarket chain Rema 1000 Denmark and wholesale company Reitan Distribution wants his staff to love coming to work Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2015
BA opens up API on flight information
British Airways offers an open application programming interface (API) for flight information to encourage developers to create value-added travel applications Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2015
Manchester City group joins forces with SAP to further global goals
The City Football Group, which includes Manchester City, has teamed up with SAP to further its global development goals Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2015
Campaigners call for independent inquiry into Post Office Horizon IT system dispute
George Freeman MP repeats Post Office claims that a report found no flaws in the Horizon IT system – but campaigners respond by calling for an inquiry Continue Reading
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News
02 Jul 2015
NHS IT system for GP data upload slammed for delays and overspend
National Audit Office report highlights problems that led to four-year delay and a system that did not work when completed Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2015
Post Office signs IBM for IT overhaul
MP James Bridgen reveals the Post Office intends to outsource an IT transformation to IBM as part of its drive to serve customers using modern technology Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2015
Finland's Tieto buys Norwegian enterprise software company
Tieto acqures Software Innovation to boost its business in Norway Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2015
Top suppliers as UK software and services market approaches £50bn
The top five software and IT services firms in the UK are Capita, HP, IBM, Capgemini and Accenture, according to the latest figures from TechMarketView Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2015
Post Office looking to replace controversial Horizon system with IBM, says MP
Days could be numbered for controversial Post Office computer system at the centre of miscarriages of justice, according to one MP Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2015
Norway’s DNB was inspired by Danish bank for new app
DNB in Norway has taken inspiration from Danske Bank in Denmark when creating its latest payment app. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2015
Universal Credit costs leap by more than 20% to £15.8bn
Figures reveal increase in lifetime cost since changes to the plan made to 'reset' the troubled welfare reform programme Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2015
CIO Interview: Ian Bell, CIO, Cambridgeshire Police Service
The CIO of Cambridgeshire Police Service talks about the constabulary’s move to digital for collaboration and information sharing in its effort to increase efficiency Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2015
John Swainson, president of Dell Software, argues the case for rethinking datacentres
Having previously worked for Silver Lake, CA and IBM, Swainson now heads the company’s software business Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2015
Box ties up with IBM to boost enterprise credibility and global reach
IBM and Box have forged a global partnership to integrate their existing products and services, and develop new ones for secure collaboration Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2015
App development companies fight back against digital piracy
How can digital companies protect their IP against a tidal wave of smartphone boosted piracy? Is digital rights management software effective enough, or is it better to adapt your business model? Continue Reading