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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Opinion
02 Apr 2025
Bridging Borders: The rise of Ukrainian-British tech collaboration
The IT sectors of the UK and Ukraine have built strong relationships since Russia’s invasion of the latter, and there is more to come, writes the IT Ukraine Association’s ambassador in the UK Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2025
The Netherlands bets on brain-inspired computing for a greener future
The Netherlands is building a neuromorphic computing ecosystem, harnessing brain-inspired tech for unprecedented energy efficiency 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
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News
06 Mar 2017
3D printing gets serious in the Netherlands
3D projects abound in the Netherlands, with the technology being applied to canal bridges, bicycles, ship components and buildings Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2017
HPE services and CSC to become DXC Technology
The merger between HP's services division and CSC will launch in April 2017 and is expected to save the companies billions Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Feb 2017
CW Benelux: Is there a Dutch digital delusion?
On government and business levels, the Netherlands aspires to be a digital leader in Europe, but it may be losing ground because of a lack of research and development investment. Also in this issue, IT decision makers based in the Benelux region are less confident than their European neighbours that IT budgets will increase in 2017, and Dutch bank ING, which used digital technology to reinvent itself after the financial crash, is about to reinvent itself again. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2017
How a Dublin court case could derail EU-US data privacy agreements
The Irish Commercial Court will consider whether privacy protection offered by standard contractual clauses for data transfers to the US from Europe is legally valid Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2017
European Union reaches final agreement on mobile roaming charges
Mobile roaming charges in the European Union will end by 15 June 2017 after final agreement was reached on the regulation of wholesale prices Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2017
Artificial intelligence will increase productivity by sharpening human mind
The combination of AI and humans will triple productivity if businesses get the balance right for different roles Continue Reading
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News
26 Jan 2017
Human-centric technologies will dominate next three years
Accenture says businesses will develop technology and services to match human behaviour in the next few years Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2017
Customer-first approach will make 2017 a challenge for Dutch CIOs
CIOs in the Netherlands could see their strategies lead to thousands of jobs being cut as businesses automate Continue Reading
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E-Zine
15 Dec 2016
European law enforcement seeking smart ways to fight cyber crime
Cyber criminals are always likely to be better resourced than law enforcement. Now, national and regional police forces in Europe are switching tactics to even the odds. Under-resourced law enforcement needs a smarter approach as cyber crime becomes increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, backed by the money and expertise of organised crime groups set up and run as well-resourced and efficient professional business organisations. Cyber crime operations typically have teams dedicated to looking at open source intelligence, targets’ physical environments, weaknesses in supply chains, and potential collaborators inside target organisations to enable sophisticated, blended attacks that involve a combination of actions against a range of vulnerabilities, making them difficult to detect and defend against. Continue Reading
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News
25 Nov 2016
CBRE: Cloud drives Q3 demand for colocation space in Frankfurt and London
CBRE’s third-quarter datacentre market tracker highlights soaring demand for colocation capacity in Frankfurt and London, as cloud providers court European enterprises Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2016
Dutch IT ministry needed to take digital lead
Whenever the media covers a failed Dutch government IT project, the question is always asked whether the government should have a ministry of IT Continue Reading
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E-Zine
17 Nov 2016
CW Benelux: Mobile payments boom
In this quarter’s CW Benelux, we look at how a combination of the right technology and consumer acceptance is driving mobile commerce in the Netherlands. We also hear from the CIO of Brussels Airlines, which is transforming its business digitally through a strategy that links traditional IT with its customers through a digital skin, and the CIO of HR services provider Randstand Group Netherlands, for which technology is becoming crucial in its communication with clients and candidates. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Nov 2016
CW Nordics: Finns turn IT layoffs to their advantage
In this quarter’s CW Nordics, we look at the impact of Nokia layoffs on Finland, and in particular the city of Espoo which is home to both Nokia and Microsoft’s Finnish headquarters. We also look at how Denmark’s Bang & Olufsen is taking control of sales data with cloud-based software. We also hear from Google cloud chief Diane Greene, as well as the CIOs of Norwegian bank DNB, Scandinavian Airlines and Swedish municipality Vara. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2016
IT startups suffer from strict, out-of-date Dutch laws
The Netherlands government needs to ensure that legislation enables disruptive technology to flourish Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2016
Dutch government uses Microsoft Dynamics to improve recruitment
Government recruitment and career management of senior civil servants in the Netherlands has been improved through a Microsoft Dynamics implementation Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2016
Bank IT spending to hit $241bn across four major global regions
IT spending across four major economic regions will increase by around 4% in 2016, but Europe is the least certain Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2016
London datacentre market enjoys pre-Brexit surge in demand for colocation space
CBRE's pre-Brexit look at the European datacentre market sees London reap the benefits of a surge in demand for colocation space during the second quarter Continue Reading
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E-Zine
18 Aug 2016
CW Benelux: Painting by numbers
In this issue of CW Benelux, we describe how data scientists in the Netherlands have applied technology to art. The Dutch are renowned for being creative with technology and the country has a deep history in art, boasting some of the most celebrated painters. It is therefore apt that the combined tech brains of ING, Microsoft, the Technical University of Delft and other contributors have created The Next Rembrandt, which serves as a visual showcase for big data. The new portrait in the style of Rembrandt van Rijn was put together by a combination of big data technology and 3D printing. All of Rembrandt’s 346 paintings were analysed using data analytics, making it possible to create a seemingly genuine Rembrandt image, while a 3D printer made accurate emulation of his paint patterns and textures a reality. Also in the Netherlands, we feature a case study about how The Hague is solving a bike parking headache with a mobile app. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jul 2016
German digital bank Fidor acquired by French banking giant
Fidor CEO says merger with BPCE will allow challenger to continue its international expansion Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Jul 2016
Six essential processes for keeping data secure
Data security is increasingly vital for organisations as the countdown begins for compliance with new rules imposed by the EU’s general data protection regulation Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2016
Date set for landmark hearing into EU-US data transfers
Irish court hearing triggered by Austrian law student Max Schrems could have huge implications for EU-US trade and the data privacy rights of millions of EU citizens Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2016
Benelux CIO interview: Paul Elich, CIO at KLM
Paul Elich, CIO at Dutch airline KLM, tells Computer Weekly about building innovation into IT departments and the ongoing de-duplication of internal systems since its merger with Air France Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2016
CW@50: A history of IT outsourcing
Computer Weekly looks at where and when IT outsourcing was invented and considers the changes the sector has gone through since Continue Reading
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News
29 Jun 2016
Brexit: Datacentre investments set to slow as economic stability concerns hit CIOs
As the economic uncertainty around Brexit continues, CIOs may put new datacentre investments on hiatus, warns analyst Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2016
Banking IT community faces uncertain Brexit future
The financial services IT community faces a period of uncertainty as finance firms reassess plans following the EU referendum result Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2016
EU firms slow in detecting cyber attacks, study shows
European firms take an average of 469 days to discover a compromise, compared with an average of 146 days globally, according to Mandiant Continue Reading
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News
01 Jun 2016
MPs’ private emails are routinely accessed by GCHQ
Computer Weekly investigation reveals the extent of interception of MPs’ and peers’ email communications and data Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2016
10 key facts businesses need to note about the GDPR
With less than two years before the new EU data protection rules come into force, there are key areas businesses need to focus on to ensure they will be compliant Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2016
Cyber security in Belgium will gain prominence after terror attacks
Belgium’s physical security has been branded inadequate, so how does the country’s cyber security measure up? Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2016
CIO interview: Gerard Spans, Arcadis
The CIO of the Netherlands-based global design and consulting company tells Computer Weekly how he manages the three responsibilities which he sees as the future of his role Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2016
CIO interview: Jean-Christophe Lalanne, CIO, Air France-KLM, on why WANs win business
Operating at locations around the world, the WAN is key to business success for airline Air France-KLM, says its global CIO, Jean-Christophe Lalanne Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2016
Akamai report raises questions over UK broadband stats
Akamai’s latest 'State of the internet' report claims UK average broadband speeds may not be rising as fast as hoped or claimed Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2016
What does the IT sector think of the UK potentially leaving the EU?
The referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union is fast approaching and the country’s IT sector is taking sides Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2016
Which IT services suppliers are European businesses most satisfied with?
TCS has won top spot for European customer satisfaction for the third year running, according to Whitelane Research Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2016
Dutch water wants to move beyond dipping its toes into big data pool
Dutch water company Brabant Water wants to use data to improve the service it provides to customers, as well as identify problems on its distribution network 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
16 Feb 2016
EU managers need to up cyber security collaboration, study finds
There is still much work to be done in the area of collaboration and sharing responsibility when it comes to preventing data breaches, a study has found Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2016
Vodafone and Liberty Global to merge in Netherlands
Vodafone and Liberty Global confirm that they are to merge their Dutch businesses Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2016
Social engineering is top hacking method, survey shows
Social engineering tops the list of popular hacking methods, underlining the need for continuous monitoring, according to security firm Balabit Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2016
TechUK calls on government to take reports on spy laws seriously
Government must address the fundamental concerns raised by expert witnesses, MPs and Lords about the draft Investigatory Powers Bill, says TechUK Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2016
Bulk data collection unnecessary for surveillance, says cyber expert
Opting for bulk data collection and other intrusive surveillance overlooks other means available that do not involve collateral damage to businesses and innocent people, says cyber expert Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2016
Insurance giant RSA outsources to Wipro
Insurance group takes on infrastructure as a service from Indian supplier Wipro in a bid to consolidate its European IT Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2016
Business urged to take action on data privacy
Security professionals use Data Protection Day to encourage businesses to do more to protect personal data Continue Reading
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E-Zine
21 Jan 2016
CW Europe - January 2016
This month, CW Europe looks in-depth at an issue that is set to affect people across all 28 European Union member states – the abolition of mobile roaming charges, set for mid-2017. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2016
PwC acquires Polish cloud consultancy for European operation
PwC is buying Poland-based IT services firm Outbox to build its cloud skills and resources across Europe Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2016
Firms can monitor employees’ online chats, EU court rules
Human rights court says it is not unreasonable for employers to want to verify that staff are completing their professional tasks during working hours Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2016
Mixed prospects for IT spending in Europe
Europe’s economies have varying expectations for IT spending over the next couple of years as the global market sees moderate growth 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
05 Jan 2016
Fears of software skills shortage in Germany and the Netherlands
Organisations in Germany and the Netherlands are struggling to fill positions for software developers as they digitise Continue Reading
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E-Zine
17 Dec 2015
CW Europe – December 2015
In this issue we study the meteoric rise of flash storage in Europe. Initially perceived as an expensive and high risk investment, flash has become mainstream and by the end of the decade will be present in the vast majority of the continent's datacentres. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2015
Eight startups selected for Cyber London security accelerator programme
Cyber London has selected startups from the UK, Finland, Hungary, Israel, Brazil and South Africa for its second cyber security accelerator programme Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2015
HPE goes live with Europe-wide cloud service catalogue
HPE’s Cloud 28+ service catalogue is open for business and hopes to encourage wider take-up of off-premises services across the continent Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2015
India’s HCL opens Estonian operation to support Nordic customers
HCL Technologies opens an Estonian delivery centre which will support customers across Europe, including those in the Nordic region 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
European colocation market growth buoyed by M&A and Safe Harbour, says CBRE
Latest European datacentre market research from CBRE looks at effect of mergers and acquisitions and Safe Harbour on colocation adoption Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2015
Suppliers lay the groundwork for IoT in Czech Republic
ICT suppliers are putting in place the technology infrastructure that will enable towns and cities in the Czech Republic to harness the internet of things Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2015
Microsoft UK datacentre plans win backing of government CTO Liam Maxwell
Government CTO Liam Maxwell speaks out about the role Whitehall's played in convincing Microsoft and others to open UK datacentres Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2015
Amsterdam Arena aims to set digital example to others
The Amsterdam Arena is a digital powerhouse which, according to its CIO, wants to set an example for the city to follow Continue Reading
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E-Zine
05 Nov 2015
CW Europe – November 2015
Cloud computing has huge benefits to businesses in Europe, but data protection rules have been different for organisations in different parts of Europe. This is about to change with the final version of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) expected soon. All 28 EU member states will have one set of rules to follow. 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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Feature
09 Oct 2015
EU Data Protection Regulation: What the EC legislation means for cloud providers
With the European Commission's data protection rules set to drop before 2016, take a look at what the changes mean for the cloud and datacentre community Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2015
Amsterdam aims to become a top European startup hub
Amsterdam is selling itself to the startup community as a nice place to live with a high standard of living, and one that opens doors to the continent Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2015
Netherlands uses female role models to encourage girls into IT industry
The Netherlands needs to shake up its education system to attract more girls into IT, as only 10% of its IT workforce are women Continue Reading