Information technology (IT) in Benelux
Read the latest tech news and trends in Benelux. Find articles and resources on IT security, data storage, backup and recovery, networking, data centre, cloud computing, mobile technology, virtualisation, big data, virtual machines and more.
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Feature
22 Apr 2024
Austrian AI: from academia to commercial success and beyond
Austria has established itself as a European frontrunner when it comes to artificial intelligence exploration and, importantly, deployment Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2024
Interview: IoT enables Dutch-French company to provide bicycle and scooter rental
Dott’s connected system and mobile app allow users to hire vehicles and ensure safe and compliant rides in 40 cities across Europe and Israel Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Aug 2018
CW Benelux: Netherlands to experiment with self-driving trains
In this issue, read how Dutch railway operator ProRail will test self-driving trains on a small set of railroad tracks to learn if they can be part of the country’s notoriously busy network. Also, find out how a network of smart towns and cities is growing in the Netherlands, and why Dutch organisations are being urged to unite to fight DDoS attacks. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2018
Dutch healthcare institutions need to think like tech sector
The healthcare industry needs to approach technological innovation in a different way if it is to maximise the benefits for staff and patients Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Jul 2018
Beyond GDPR: ePrivacy could have an even greater impact on mobile
From how we monitor air pollution and manage our public transport systems, to how we enable connected cars and the next generation of 5G mobile services, the forthcoming ePR could have a lasting impact on European society Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2018
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
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News
09 Jul 2018
Dutch government IT projects run €1bn over budget
Dutch government IT projects are costing much more money and taking far longer than expected Continue Reading
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News
04 Jul 2018
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
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News
26 Jun 2018
Liberty Global picks Cisco to transform customer service ops
Virgin Media parent enlists Cisco in a bid to transform its customer service experience across Europe Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2018
Electricity problems in Amsterdam could hamper datacentre growth
A shortage of power availability in Amsterdam might make businesses look elsewhere in the Netherlands to site datacentres Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2018
Dutch organisations must unite to fight DDoS attacks
Experts in the Netherlands call on Dutch corporations and institutions to work together to help prevent distributed denial of service attacks Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2018
Dutch region Zeeland to get datacentre without diesel backup
One of the world’s most sustainable datacentres is to be built in the southwest region of the Netherlands, and is said to be the first datacentre to use battery backup rather than a diesel generator Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Jun 2018
Big data skills shortages – and how to work around them
Businesses are finding it hard to recruit enough people with big data and analytics skills, but for CIOs there are alternative strategies to consider Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2018
UK security spend low despite breaches
The UK is the most breached country in Europe, but IT security spend remains low compared with other countries in the region, a report reveals Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2018
Commitment is the watchword on GDPR D-Day
New rules for protecting European citizens’ personal data are now enforceable by law, and organisations are being advised to focus broadly on commitment rather than narrowly on compliance Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2018
Stronger rules on data protection by EU institutions agreed
On the eve of the GDPR compliance deadline, European politicians agree new rules to strengthen data protection in EU organisations Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2018
EU cyber security agencies pledge to up cooperation
Four European cyber security agencies have agreed to increase collaboration in five key areas Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2018
UK calls for new data-sharing model with EU
The UK has proposed a new data-sharing model to ensure ongoing data protection collaboration and free flow of data between the EU and the UK post-Brexit Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2018
HSBC blockchain trial proves trade finance utility model
HSBC and ING used blockchain to successfully complete a real-world trade financing transaction as part of a pilot Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 May 2018
Hacking the internet of things just got easier – it’s time to look at your security
Are you taking security for internet-connected devices seriously enough? Continue Reading
- 10 May 2018
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E-Zine
10 May 2018
CW Benelux: Rotterdam charts course to become world’s smartest port
The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is using internet of things and artificial intelligence technology from IBM in a bid to become the world’s smartest port. Also read how companies in the Netherlands are only partly ready for the country’s version of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and why the European Central Bank thinks cash will remain in use in the Eurozone for a very long time. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2018
Netherlands to harness blockchain for waste management operations
Authorities are trying out blockchain to automate many of the processes related to waste transportation in the EU Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2018
Even the smallest of Dutch towns are becoming smart
An increasing number of Dutch towns and cities use street sensors and big data to tackle societal problems. From smart lighting to artificial intelligence that spots violent behaviour in surveillance footage, smart technology is booming in the Netherlands Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2018
GDPR: An overview of the latest data protection legislation
The forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will have wide-ranging implications for every organisation that processes personal data. This comprehensive overview tells you what you need to know Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2018
Next generation of SCADA industrial controls will protect against cyber attack
Oil, energy and chemical companies are rethinking how to control big manufacturing plants, replacing expensive control technology with cheaper, more secure systems, taking their cue from biology Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Apr 2018
Blockchain: Paving the way for broad adoption
The foundations have been laid for organisations to begin standardising on the technology, talent and platforms that will drive future blockchain initiatives Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Apr 2018
Protecting your intellectual property in a digital world
Your business is creating innovative computer code, slick user interfaces, and is using digital technology to solve new problems. How do you protect your investment? Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2018
European IT services spending down as businesses focus on GDPR compliance
European organisations are reducing their spending on IT services and are redirecting resources towards becoming compliant with the EU General Data Protection Regulation Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2018
BT to supply European air navigation network
BT has been selected to provide the upgraded air traffic management network across Europe Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Apr 2018
Moving away from analogue health in a digital world
Healthcare records still rely on faxes, email, mail and paper, but the innovative use of technology will lead to major improvements in medical care Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2018
Judge in Max Schrems v Facebook action raises red flag on EU-US data transfers
The Irish High Court (Commercial Division) has once again cast a long shadow, with a very short deadline, over the arrangements for the safe and legal transfer of data between the EU and the US Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2018
Dutch railway operator to experiment with self-driving trains
Dutch railways are on a journey towards fully automated trains, with early tests under way Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2018
EU-US data sharing under threat as Irish court refers Facebook case to Europe
The Irish High Court is seeking answers from the European Court of Justice in a case that could have huge implications for EU-US data sharing and raises questions about US government surveillance of EU citizens. The move could bring a five-year legal battle between Austrian lawyer Max Schrems and Facebook to a close Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2018
European CIOs have budget balancing act ahead of them
There is some consensus among European CIOs on budget rises across the continent, but less so on what to invest in Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Apr 2018
Driving digitisation: open standards in process automation
Organisations often can’t take advantage of advances in digital technology due to the lack of interoperability in their IT systems in different facilities, but open standards promise a way forward Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2018
Interview: GDPR will give Dutch privacy watchdog its teeth
The Netherlands’ privacy watchdog has not handed out fines so far because there has been no reason to, says the organisation’s chairman, Aleid Wolfsen Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
Capgemini turns to tech startup to identify ‘most engaged’ teams
Technology and consulting services firm Capgemini is using technology from a startup company to poll its employees’ views and provide feedback from managers every week. It is discovering what it takes to create “engaged teams” Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2018
Dutch SMEs’ cyber security is insufficient
Nowhere in the Netherlands is digitisation as big as it is in small and medium-sized enterprises, but the sector still has a lot to do in terms of cyber security Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2018
European insurtech growth dwarfs US
Europe is seeing rapid growth in its insurtech as investors pump hundreds of millions into the sector Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2018
IT attracts more foreign investment projects to UK than other sectors
IT accounts for the highest number of foreign direct investment projects in the UK, which should come as a warning to the UK government to listen to the sector Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2018
Dutch cycling culture pumps up bicycle startups
Bike-sharing services are cropping up in urban areas of the Netherlands but the government wants to restrict their number Continue Reading
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News
16 Mar 2018
Capgemini arm bags European Commission data infrastructure project
The European Commission has extended the contract of prime contractor Capgemini on its open data project Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2018
WhatsApp to suspend data sharing with Facebook
WhatsApp has agreed to stop sharing personal data with Facebook until data protection concerns are addressed Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2018
EC reveals plan to make Europe global fintech hub
The European Commission has unveiled proposals to boost the EU’s financial technology sector Continue Reading
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E-Zine
08 Mar 2018
CW Europe: Germany’s Lemoncat takes catering to the cloud
Business catering startup Lemoncat has taken advantage of the affordable cost of living in Berlin and is shaking up the catering sector by harnessing the Amazon and Salesforce clouds. Also in this issue, read how Moscow’s government is taking advantage of high penetration of broadband and mobile internet to expand innovative services under the Russian capital’s smart city programme, and how organisations in the Netherlands still have much to do to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2018
European cities woo English-speaking IT talent
Organisations in major European cities have upped their search for English-speaking talent, including IT professionals, since the UK’s referendum on EU membership Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Feb 2018
The EURECA moment: Counting the cost of running the UK’s public sector datacentres
The EU-backed EURECA project has spent the past 36 months assessing the state of public sector datacentres across Europe, and is revealing what it found Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2018
4G IoT network may ease aviation sector fears over drone safety
Vodafone is testing mobile and internet of things network technology to protect commercial aircraft from badly flown drones Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2018
Europe in the firing line of evolving DDoS attacks
The Europe, Middle East and Africa region accounts for more than half the world’s distributed denial of service attacks, a report from F5 Labs reveals Continue Reading
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E-Zine
08 Feb 2018
CW Benelux: Dutch IT expert on a mission to expose vulnerabilities
Dutch ethical hacker Victor Gevers took full-time leave from his IT job last year and used the time to hunt for vulnerabilities. Read about his mission to find vulnerabilities, report them responsibly and then, hopefully, get them fixed by the vulnerable parties involved. Also in this issue, read how Proximus, Belgium’s largest telecommunications operator, is leaning on Cloudify to support its adoption of network functions virtualisation, and how journalists showed that the email addresses of Dutch politicians are easy to spoof. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2018
Teenager suspected of crippling Dutch banks with DDoS attacks
A large distributed denial of service attack on banks and other organisations in the Netherlands, first thought to emanate from Russia, is now thought to have been launched by a local teenager Continue Reading
- 07 Feb 2018
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Opinion
02 Feb 2018
Europe’s shameful role in spy-tech exports that led to torture and jail
Governments in Europe actively assisted in government oppression in Iran, Bahrain and Russia by providing states with sophisticated surveillance equipment. The European Parliament is pressing for changes in the law to restrict exports of spy-technology to countries with poor human rights records Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2018
Dutch Filmworks disrupts piracy fight by imposing download fines
Netherlands’ privacy watchdog grants film production company permission to collect IP addresses as part of its fight against illegal downloading Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2018
European Commission eyes blockchain opportunity
The European Commission is aiming to get the most out of blockchain technology in a wide variety of sectors Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2018
Dutch companies not ready for GDPR despite approaching deadline
Organisations in the Netherlands are racing towards General Data Protection Regulation compliance, but there is still much to be done Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2018
GDPR requests to take thousands of hours a month, says survey
A recent survey predicts organisations will potentially face thousands of customer requests about their personal information every month, with many unprepared for GDPR compliance Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2018
Dutch port readies itself for autonomous ships
The Port of Rotterdam is using IoT and AI technology from IBM to improve efficiency and become the model for ports of the future Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2018
IT Priorities 2018: Data protection a top priority ahead of GDPR
Data protection continues to be a key focus for IT security investment for European firms in 2018, as does the emphasis on cloud and mobile security as companies move to these technology platforms Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2018
Davos: Cyber risks grow as countries turn towards protectionism
The cost of natural disasters is now at record levels, but the cost of cyber crime is far higher. The World Economic Forum hopes to persuade governments to work together on the problem, but with isolationist politics back in fashion, can it succeed? Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2018
NGO to fight for GDPR rights set to launch
A new breed of NGO aimed at helping EU citizens fight for privacy rights under the GDPR is set to launch after achieving the minimum funding required Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2018
New controversies as Trump passes US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
The amended Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which seeks to legitimise US surveillance on foreigners, has been signed off by president Trump Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2018
Interview: Kaspar Korjus, Estonian e-Residency lead
As the number of people signing up to become Estonian e-residents exceeds the country’s birth rate, Computer Weekly speaks to the man heading up the programme Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2018
Demand for cloud services drives increase in IT outsourcing
Cloud services spending in Europe, the Middle East and Africa offset a drop in traditional IT outsourcing in 2017 Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2018
Davos: Disintegration of the internet could create economic turmoil
Politicians and business leaders will discuss the risks posed by fake news, cyber attacks, and artificial intelligence to jobs, political stability and global security, at the World Economic Forum in Davos Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2018
Retail banking regulations hit UK with the potential of a ‘Big Bang’ moment
The UK retail banking sector is at the beginning of a journey towards to a more competitive future as new regulation hits them Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2018
Max Schrems champions NGO to fight for GDPR rights
Privacy activist whose legal challenge of Facebook led to the scrapping of the Safe Harbour Agreement says crowdfunding a new type of non-government organisation is essential to deliver privacy rights Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2018
Dutch bank tests wearable technology payments
ABN Amro is testing out wearable payment devices with 500 customers as part of a four-month pilot Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2018
Nordic banks face digitisation decisions over PSD2
With the latest version of the EU payment services directive coming into force, traditional Nordic banks can’t afford to slow their digital transformations Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Dec 2017
How to boost your personal brand as an IT professional
Seven steps to help you build a personal brand in the workplace, articulate the value you provide and build your professional reputation Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Dec 2017
How to attract investors for your enterprise software startup
Are you looking to find an investor for your enterprise software company? This expert advice explains what investors will be looking to find in an innovative software business seeking backing Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2017
Dutch digital coin miners offered datacentre space to reduce costs
The Netherlands’ Datacenter Group is providing digital coin miners with space in a professional datacentre Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2017
Fintech is increasing operational risk to banks
European Banking Association report reveals fear of greater operational risk because of increased take-up of fintech in financial services sector Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2017
UK only average in terms of digital public services
UK government has the innovation skills to become a digital public services leader, but needs to improve the ID and authentication that sits underneath it to reach this goal Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2017
Europe not ready for imminent cyber strikes, say infosec professionals
Information security leaders in Europe believe a major breach of critical infrastructure is coming and that data breaches in their own organisations are imminent – yet most are not ready Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Nov 2017
CW Benelux: Young wayward hackers could help fill Dutch IT skills gap
In this issue, read how an initiative in Rotterdam is helping young people get into the IT sector by targeting those overlooked by traditional methods. Also find out how Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport is utilising open source software to create and use a multi-cloud platform with an open API, and how the Netherlands’ Rabobank has moved from tape libraries and robotic arms to a platform-based storage and retrieval system. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2017
Go beyond GDPR for a competitive edge
By exceeding the bare minimum requirements set by privacy regulations, businesses can win customers by offering greater assurances, says a business adviser Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2017
Dutch government agreement increasingly focuses on IT security
The coalition government in the Netherlands has agreed its plan for the next four years, with IT security prominent Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2017
Belgian telco Proximus picks Cloudify to support NFV roll-out
Belgium’s largest telecoms operator Proximus will deploy a cloud-native orchestration platform to support its adoption of NFV services in the business Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2017
All EU countries sign up to implement digital-by-default services
Declaration reaffirms commitment to bring public sector services into the digital age and improve citizens’ interaction with government Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2017
Hard Brexit would see UK tech exports fall by £1.7bn
UK manufacturers including those in the technology sector will lose billions of pounds of export revenue if the government completes a hard Brexit Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2017
UK-EU talks have failed to raise confidence of IT leaders
IT decision-makers are no more confident about how Brexit will affect them despite this year’s general election and talks between the EU and the UK Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2017
Banks across Europe cut thousands of staff and branches as IT replaces them
Banks across Europe cut jobs and close thousands of branches as IT shakes the industry Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2017
European Union states question copyright law proposal
European states are questioning legality of a new copyright law proposed by the EU Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2017
Open source helps Schiphol fly to multi-clouds
Amsterdam airport Schiphol is utilising open source software to create and use a multi-cloud platform with an open API Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2017
Dutch e-voting is waiting for an opportunity
Despite years of opposition and distrust in voting machines, a small Dutch initiative is aiming for a new form of e-voting Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2017
CIO interview: Daniel Gebler, chief technology officer, Picnic
The Netherlands has the highest supermarket density in the world, yet a technology company has been able to gain market share from the established order Continue Reading
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E-Zine
10 Aug 2017
CW Benelux: IoT Tech Day showcases innovation
Read about this year’s IoT Tech Day in Utrecht, Netherlands, which featured hobby projects such as light-sensing curtains that automatically open and close, but also showed that the IoT is growing up to encompass more serious applications. Also read about the lessons to be learned from the ‘Petya’ ransomware attack that has hit 60 countries, and find out how Dutch railway stations are monitoring the movement of travellers to reduce people jams. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2017
Europe takes measured approach to 5G, driven by ROI concerns
European operators may be more concerned with getting the maximum value for money from their 3G and 4G networks than rushing to roll out 5G Continue Reading
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E-Zine
08 Jun 2017
Ethical fears hinder growth of artificial intelligence in France
In this issue, read how France’s relatively slow adoption of artificial intelligence is partly the result of public confusion, and partly due to the way the French have approached the ethical debate around AI. Also, read now organisations in Europe are failing to address the most important risks because they do not have a structured approach to complying with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation. And find out why, after 17 years, Dutch university TU Delft is saying goodbye to its legacy learning management system. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2017
Dutch railway uses IoT to reduce people jams
Railway stations in The Netherlands are monitoring the movement of travellers to manage traffic flow and reduce people jams Continue Reading
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Feature
17 May 2017
Organised crime exploiting new technology
European law enforcement is to focus on collaborating with industry around cyber crime as organised crime groups increasingly exploit new technologies, according to a regional crime threat report Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 May 2017
CW Benelux: 3D printing on the rise
This quarter’s CW Benelux looks at the practical use of 3D printing in the Netherlands. It seems the technology has found its home, at least initial home, in manufacturing, with the early buzz around its consumer potential now a reality in the enterprise sector. The possibilities have not escaped government attention. The Dutch ministry of economic affairs last year unveiled an action plan for smart industry to boost development and standards for smart industrial applications, including 3D printing. Also read how PostNL is using IT to help its business to prosper in a transformed mail industry, find out how businesses in the Netherlands are getting their heads around blockchain technology, and see what KLM is doing with virtual reality technology. Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2017
How Dutch university quickly connected thousands of students to new learning management system
Dutch university TU Delft is replacing its legacy learning management system after 17 years Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2017
MEPs call for European Commission to reassess Privacy Shield
European parliamentarians have called for an immediate review of the Privacy Shield EU-US data transfer framework due to concerns about privacy protections being undermined in the US Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2017
Dutch IT companies introduce unlimited staff holidays
IT firms in The Netherlands are leading the way with strategies to give employees control of how much time they take off work Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2017
Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut gets sweet on cloud
Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut is increasingly using cloud-based apps to improve productivity and reduce costs Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2017
AI and robots will 'create political instability' until humans find new occupations
The belief that advances in technology will create more jobs than they replace may no longer hold true Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2017
Serco uses HR technology to cut recruitment bill
International outsourced services supplier Serco is investing in HR recruitment technology to help it hire 15,000 to 20,000 people a year Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2017
Global business leaders hail UK tech sector’s innovation potential
KPMG report reveals global confidence in UK tech sector’s ability to create innovative products and services that are keenly adopted across the world Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2017
HPE, Dell and IBM suffer Q4 server sales slumps, as demand for ODM hardware grows
IDC's latest EMEA-wide server market sales tracker suggests soaring demand for ODM servers is hitting tier-one manufacturers hard Continue Reading