IT suppliers

DfT pledges to spend one-third of its procurement budget on SMEs by 2022

Department for Transport’s SME action plan promises to increase its spend with small and medium-sized enterprises to 33% by the end of this parliament Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Advertised broadband speeds dropping across UK

Since new advertising standards around broadband were introduced in May 2018, most providers have cut the speeds they advertise, or stopped making speed claims altogether Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Hyperoptic raises £250m funding to roll out full-fibre broadband

Broadband supplier Hyperoptic claims its latest round of funding is the largest ever single investment in the UK’s burgeoning full-fibre market Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CIO interview: Alex von Schirmeister, CDTIO, RS Components

The electronics distributor’s chief digital, technology and innovation officer (CDTIO) on putting in place a new IT infrastructure, creating a digital business and accepting risk Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

Three-quarters of UK adults have not heard of open banking

Open banking will struggle to deliver what it promises unless people are made aware of its existence and what it could do for them Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Gorgon Group shows simple cyber attacks remain effective

A highly effective cyber attack group that appears to be based in Pakistan is carrying out targeted attacks against nation states at the same time as criminal operations, researchers have found Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Three ploughs £276m into 5G preparation

Hutchison-backed mobile operator Three is spending lavishly as it bids to be first to market with a commercial 5G network Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

GDPR harmonised with local laws in Nordic EU states

Sweden provides an interesting challenge for the European Union’s data protection regulation due to its laws around freedom of press and free speech Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Apple breaks Q3 records, while losing market share to Huawei

Apple has posted a record-breaking quarter, but its smartphones are not selling as fast. Huawei is now the second largest smartphone maker Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

UK fintech investment exceeds US and China

Financial technology investments in the UK have surpassed those made in the US and China Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Intelligent automation spending to hit $232bn by 2025

Technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotic process automation and machine learning could help traditional enterprises gain ground on digital-first giants Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Utilita Energy supplier uses cloud to rapidly scale IT service desk

Energy provider Utilita Energy puts its IT service management in the cloud to support its rapid growth Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

How Estonia took a digital lead

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at one of the world’s most digitally advanced nations, Estonia, and ask what the UK government can learn from this small Baltic state. We talk to Airbus about how aircraft manufacturers are prioritising cyber security. And we examine how AI and robots will augment – not replace – human productivity. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Comms providers may be forced to notify out-of-contract users

Providers of landline, broadband, TV and mobile services will have to notify their customers when they approach the end of their minimum contract period under proposed new rules Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Pentagon flags risky software suppliers

The Pentagon has drawn up a list of software suppliers that it wants the US military and defence contractors to avoid due to fears of risks to national security Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Government to fund six connected vehicle simulation projects

The government has announced the winners of an R&D contest for connected vehicle simulation and modelling capabilities Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

IBM and CLS to work on blockchain app store

IBM and foreign exchange settlement provider CLS are using their complimentary expertise to create an app store for finance firms using distributed ledger technology Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Dubai disputes court and Smart Dubai partner to apply blockchain

Organisations in Dubai are working on developing the principal of blockchain-based courts Continue Reading

By

• Edward Banda

Search begins for UK’s cyber security Unsung Heroes

The Security Serious cyber awareness campaign has opened nominations for the third annual cyber security Unsung Heroes awards Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Openreach doubles down on full-fibre broadband roll-out

In its first annual review since splitting from BT, Openreach has recommitted to its targets for full-fibre broadband Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

BT bounces back in strong first quarter

After a run of bad news, there were some bright spots in BT’s first quarter financial results Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Fileless malware a growing trend, warns McAfee

Cyber attackers are increasingly moving away from traditional malware to using trusted Windows executables to invade systems and breach corporate networks, say security researchers Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Crest report highlights need for bug bounty best practice

A lack of best practice guidelines for bug bounties is leaving researchers, organisations and bounty platforms confused and at risk, a report reveals Continue Reading

O2 canvasses support from UK Plc to build case for 5G

O2 CEO Mark Evans is writing to every FTSE 100 boss in the UK seeking to build consensus around 5G use cases, and drum up support for investment Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Smart cities face challenges and opportunities

IHS Markit analysts Noman Akhtar and Kevin Hasley assess the way forward for smart city technology projects around the world Continue Reading

By

• Norman Akhtar and Kevin Hasley

Vodafone sales tick down on new reporting rules

Quarterly sales at mobile operator Vodafone dipped thanks to the impact of new reporting standards and foreign exchange headwinds Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government outsourcing at a crossroads, says PAC report

The government needs to change the market that supplies it with services through better contracting practices if it is to achieve anything beyond lowest price, according to a PAC report Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Apache OpenWhisk users urged to patch

IBM has patched vulnerabilities in its Cloud Functions service that is based on Apache OpenWhisk in response to vulnerability disclosures, and all other users are urged to do the same Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Stagecoach trials full-size driverless bus

Bus operator Stagecoach is testing out a full-size autonomous bus in its own depots, with future potential for use on passenger routes Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Ofcom proposes regulatory changes to support broadband investment

Following the recommendations of the government’s Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, regulator Ofcom has proposed a package of measures to better support investment in full-fibre broadband Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Atos acquires Syntel for £2.6bn

French IT services firm buys Syntel to expand in the US and bolster its offshore delivery Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Openreach to cut wholesale broadband costs for CSP customers

Openreach plans to introduce wide-ranging cuts to FTTC and FTTP wholesale prices to get other providers to upgrade their users to faster broadband Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

MPs call for inquiry into smart meter roll-out

Government urged to conduct a review of the roll-out of smart meters for electricity and gas, and to intervene to tackle a number of failures Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Alphabet shares up after better-than-expected quarter

Shares in Google’s parent company Alphabet have risen in value after it reported quarterly revenue of $32.7bn, up 26% year on year Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Building intelligent aircraft engines with AI and analytics

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to UK manufacturer Rolls-Royce about using artificial intelligence, sensor technology and data analytics to build intelligent aircraft engines. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the next generation of desktop IT. And we ask whether a court ruling in Chile could lead to a worldwide change in Oracle’s software licensing practices. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

BDUK has £200m to kick-start rural full-fibre network build

Government plans to use money from the BDUK superfast broadband programme to drive the roll-out of full-fibre broadband to underserved rural areas Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government spend with SMEs down in 2016/17

Government figures show direct and indirect spend on small to medium-sized enterprises by government departments in the 2016/17 financial year have fallen Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Full-fibre broadband for all to cost £30bn

The government has released its Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, setting the stage for the national roll-out of a full-fibre broadband network Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

IBM results leave Watson thinking

Artificial intelligence is at the heart of IBM's long-term strategy, yet its cognitive solutions business experienced a slight decline. Oh dear, Watson Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Brussels aims to become an insurtech hub

Belgian capital is calling on startups as it eyes up the huge opportunities in the insurance technology sector Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Cloud sales stoke Microsoft’s strong growth

Microsoft says cloud-based Office products made a huge contribution to sales growth Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Heathrow flights grounded by IT failure

Aircraft unable to take off at airport following failure of an IT system at one of BA's suppliers, that even led to the temporary closure of the control tower Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Saudi Arabia entices UK fintechs to its shores

Saudi Arabia is offering fintechs from other countries the opportunity to access its large internal market Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Spectrum costs hit the world’s poorest hardest

The inflated cost of radio spectrum to support mobile network roll-out is harming the economic and social welfare of billions of the world’s poorest people, says the GSMA Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

How container technology is evolving

In this week’s Computer Weekly, as adoption of containers grows rapidly, we look at the choices and potential benefits of the technology. We examine the efforts being made to secure internet of things devices and ask if legislation is needed. And we assess how the government’s latest Brexit plans will affect the UK tech sector. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

A quarter of Brits think they already have full-fibre broadband

CityFibre research commissioned to support its campaign for more clarity in broadband advertising appears to show widespread misunderstanding of what fibre is or what it means Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Traders may not be compliant with new customs IT system by end of March 2019

PAC hearing reveals several issues with getting the Customs Declaration Service ready on time, including that traders probably won’t have enough time to get their systems compatible and compliant with the new IT system Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Broadcom acquires enterprise business with CA Technologies deal

Broadcom buys into the enterprise software infrastructure arena, announcing $19bn acquisition of CA Technologies Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Three-quarters of consumers have interacted with artificial intelligence

Capgemini survey finds 55% of people prefer a mix of AI and humans when they interact with organisations Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

An exciting time to be in cyber security innovation

Cyber security innovation has received a £1.35m shot in the arm from the UK government with the opening of a new innovation centre in London. Computer Weekly looks at why now is a good time to be working and innovating in this industry Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Swedish state-private partnership will use advanced IT to secure cities

Swedish authorities are working with the private sector to develop geo-fencing technology to protect cities from vehicle-related terrorist attacks Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

UK fintech industry fears Brexit-induced talent squeeze

London’s financial technology community warns of problems ahead as the reality of the UK leaving the EU unfolds Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

NIC calls for nationwide broadband plan

The National Infrastructure Commission has called for a national broadband plan to support full-fibre roll-out Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Jeremy Wright appointed DCMS secretary of state in Cabinet reshuffle

Attorney general Jeremy Wright becomes DCMS secretary as Matt Hancock moves to the Department for Health and Social Care where he takes over as health secretary Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK slips down broadband speed league table

Although average broadband speeds in the UK have improved in the past year, other countries are moving faster, according to new data from comparison site Cable.co.uk Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government needs to improve its outsourcing approach

Parliamentary committee advises government to improve its outsourcing methods in the wake of the collapse of Carillion Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Collaborative taskforce launches security intelligence network

BAE Systems, Vodafone, cyber security incubator CyLon and other partners have joined forces in unveiling a manifesto for safeguarding society in the digital age Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Three chooses SSE for 5G fibre backhaul

SSE Enterprise Telecoms will connect Three’s mobile network into BT’s local telephone exchanges as the mobile operator ramps up its preparation for 5G Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Investment flows into Nordic startups from all directions

The Nordic tech startup scene is attracting funding from a variety of sources, with private equity firms, banks and traditional IT companies all keen to put money in Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

ICO Grants Programme launches second round of funding

The ICO is inviting a second round of applications for funding to promote and support independent, innovative research and solutions focused on privacy and data protection Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

UK labour market could be harmed by private sector roll-out of IR35 reforms, consultancy warns

As the government continues to consult on extending the IR35 reforms to the private sector, research suggests contractors will not take kindly to the move Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Dell/VMware and Nutanix dominate a growing hyper-converged market

As hyper-converged system revenues get set to overtake those of converged systems, Dell/VMware and Nutanix are dominating the market for combined server and storage nodes Continue Reading

By

• Christophe Bardy

Slow broadband fuels a post-Brexit storm for rural communities

Lack of access to reliable broadband and mobile networks threatens rural livelihoods after Brexit, according to a Local Government Association report Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Industry bets on fixed wireless access for first 5G deployments

Separate tests in Romania and the UK have been demonstrating the potential of fixed wireless access as a component of 5G Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

European banks need to balance fintech strategies

European Banking Authority highlights the risks of banks taking up fintech too quickly, and of ignoring it Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Software firm Clevermed enhances NHS user experience on Health and Social Care Network

Clevermed, a supplier of maternity and neonatal care record software to the NHS, reveals how users are benefiting after it switched to the new Health and Social Care Network Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Singapore company turns to blockchain to improve food security

SMC Nutrition is using a blockchain distributed ledger developed by a Singapore-based company to gain visibility across its supply chain and ensure food security Continue Reading

By

• Kimberly Chua

Government launches G-Cloud 10

The 10th iteration of G-Cloud is now live, with more than 3,500 suppliers awarded a place on the procurement framework Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Bolloré Group partners with Alibaba for cloud and co-development

French transportation conglomerate will use Alibaba cloud, and Alibaba will look at using Bolloré's battery technology in its datacentres Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Finland’s R&D spending is recovering after a lost decade

The Finnish tech sector could benefit form better access to funds as the government prepares to increase spending on research and development Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Home Office criticised over ESN review progress

In an appearance before the Public Accounts Committee, Home Office permanent secretary Philip Rutnam defended the progress of the ESN project review Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Openreach starts full-fibre roll-out in Exeter

Network builder Openreach adds Exeter to its Fibre First FTTP broadband roll-out Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

First Lorca cohort to focus on security orchestration

The first companies to benefit from the new London cyber innovation centre will focus on cyber security orchestration and automation Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Lorca will help drive UK cyber exports, says ex-GCHQ boss

New London cyber security innovation centre will help to boost exports of UK cyber security expertise, says former GCHQ director Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Cyber criminals 'infect and collect' in cryptojacking surge

Illicit cryptocurrency mining offers cyber criminals lower risk, higher efficacy and greater ease of making money, adding passive exploitation to ransomware extortion, data breach theft and fraud, a report reveals Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Brent Council tenants to receive full-fibre broadband service

Borough-wide FTTP broadband roll-out could address up to 100,000 homes and businesses in North London Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Technology key to keeping staff happy

Giving employees access to the latest technologies will improve their satisfaction and increase productivity, survey shows Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

AI and other tech key to post-Brexit success, says Matt Hancock

Digital secretary Matt Hancock highlights the importance of emerging technologies to the future of the UK at the opening of London’s cyber security innovation centre Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

SSE Enterprise Telecoms bids to solve UK’s backhaul problem

By layering Infinera technology over its existing network, SSE Enterprise Telecoms plans to deliver what it refers to as a ‘dark fibre-like’ access product for communications services providers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

British Muslim challenges use of intelligence databases for repeated police stops

Muzaffar Abdullah is challenging police use of intelligence databases to repeatedly stop and question Muslims, after being arrested for refusing to answer questions under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000. His lawyers say he had been stopped at least 10 times before and the police should have known he had no connection to terrorism Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

High-Tech Bridge bets on machine learning capabilities

Machine learning has a great potential to drive the automation of some security tasks to free up information security professionals to do more strategic work, says High-Tech Bridge founder Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

VM-aware storage pioneer Tintri on verge of bankruptcy

Recent first-quarter results by the VM-aware storage pioneer throw light on a fragile financial situation that needs new funds or a buyer to avoid bankruptcy by the end of June Continue Reading

By

• Christophe Bardy

Nordic and Baltic states agree on joint approach to AI

The governments of the Nordic and Baltic region want to work closer together to further increase the status of artificial intelligence in business and society Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Openreach extends Gfast broadband roll-out

Openreach commits to rolling out Gfast broadband services to 59 new locations in the next phase of its ultrafast deployment plan Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CCS cancels Crown Marketplace tender, but says programme continues

The Crown Commercial Service has cancelled a tender for an element of the Crown Marketplace, but insists the programme continues as the organisation has made “important decisions” to clarify scope and focus Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Mobile spectrum sharing is vital for UK 5G roll-out, says report

A report commissioned by independent network builders’ body Inca has warned that current approaches to how spectrum is apportioned are leaving vast amounts unused, and this needs to change Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

BEIS and DfE not addressing Brexit impact on Stem skills, says PAC

A Public Accounts Committee report has raised concerns that government departments are not doing enough, quickly enough, to understand how Brexit will affect the supply of science, technology, engineering and maths skills in the UK Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK cyber skills in demand, says Dorset firm C3IA Solutions

UK cyber security skills are in demand and there is a bright future in exporting them, according to Dorset-based firm C3IA Solutions Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

SME provider takes on Cambridgeshire public sector network contract

Managed network services provider MLL Telecom has been awarded the EastNet contract to run WAN services across Cambridgeshire, replacing a legacy Virgin Media Network Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Nokia outsources IT infrastructure and application services to HCL

Five-year deal will bring together the services delivered by four different IT companies. Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Vodafone to start 5G trials this autumn

MNO announces 5G trials in seven UK cities, with new mobile network infrastructure to be rolled out from October Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Mobile operators appeal for dark fibre access to back 5G

O2, Three and Vodafone unite in calling for more to be done to open up dark fibre networks to supply desperately needed capacity for their future 5G networks Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Nine out of 10 enterprises will use robotic process automation by 2020

Robotic process automation take-up expected to reach 92% of European enterprises within two years, finds ISG survey Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Oracle full-year results show 6% growth, but cloud revenue opaque?

Oracle’s full-year results for 2017-18 reveal total revenue of $39.8bn, up 6%, but reporting of cloud with on-premise revenue under “bring your own licence” policy has raised qualm over cloud weakness obfuscation Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

Young generation tempted by Amazon bank-like services

Tech firms offering banking services will be inevitable in the future as more than half of young people are tempted by such a prospect Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Government’s broadband service obligation derided by industry

As Ofcom starts the process of finding a provider willing to step up to manage the government’s 10Mbps broadband universal service obligation, the project has been derided by network builders and stakeholders alike Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

IPsoft’s digital worker is part of a shift in human productivity

IPsoft used its annual user summit to allow customers to update themselves on the career of its cognitive digital agent Amelia Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

DeepMind Health must be transparent to gain public trust, review finds

Independent review of DeepMind Health says the company should provide more clarity on data and business plans, while legal audit finds its controversial data-sharing deal with Royal Free is lawful Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Nordic healthcare services provider outsources IT infrastructure

Healthcare service provider Falck is planning to transform its business with a standardised and simplified IT infrastructure at the core Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Encryption is under attack, says Venafi CEO Jeff Hudson

Encryption is one of the fundamental principles on which the internet is built, but this vital technology is under threat from criminals and ill-advised government policies, says Venafi CEO Jeff Hudson Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison