Networking and communication

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

Mobile tech saves more carbon than it emits, says Carbon Trust

Use of mobile technology in Europe and North America is saving more than 180 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year, according to the Carbon Trust Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

HyperCat smart city venture sets up shop in India

UK government-backed HyperCat Consortium seeks Indian startups for Hyderabad-based incubator Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

EE and Motorola confirmed as ESN suppliers by Home Office

EE and Motorola have been formally selected to provide a resilient national 4G network for the UK’s ambulance, fire and police services Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Australian police raid home of alleged Bitcoin inventor

Australian police say a raid on a home in Sydney is not related to reports that the owner is the co-inventor of Bitcoin sitting on a fortune $415m Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

G.fast technical trials connect 100 Swansea homes and businesses

BT has embarked on a technical trial of G.fast technology in Swansea Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UKtech50 2015 - The most influential people in UK IT

Computer Weekly has announced the sixth annual UKtech50 – our definitive list of the movers and shakers in the UK IT sector Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Interview: BT CEO Gavin Patterson

For BT CEO Gavin Patterson, the UKtech50 most influential person in UK IT 2015, the network is a vital tool to balance the demands of a global services business with the responsibility of being the national incumbent telecoms operator Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

COP21: IoT can accelerate sustainable development, says Gartner

As the Paris climate talks get under way, Gartner says the IoT has a big role to play in minimising the impact of global warming Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Word ‘smart’ being abused by IoT advocates

Speakers at an event hosted by Cambridge Wireless say the term ‘smart’ is overused to describe connected devices on the internet of things Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Five key strategies for IoT success

Companies need to be agile because in some IoT systems, it will be a question of the winner taking it all, according to Kent Eriksson, IoT business consultant at PTC Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Traditional datacentres ill-equipped to cope with IoT demands, warn technology experts

BBC data scientist and Coca Cola CTO question if the datacentre is the right place to store, process and analyse IoT data Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

How Taiwan is building the internet of things

In this week's Computer Weekly, we meet the Taiwanese companies that are developing the technology building blocks for the internet of things. Our latest buyer's guide looks at the skills needed for modern IT leadership. And we examine the technology options to take superfast broadband speeds even higher. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Openreach CEO Joe Garner to step down

Openreach CEO Joe Garner is returning to the financial services sector after two years at the helm Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Snoopers’ charter will force ISPs to raise broadband prices

The Science and Technology Select Committee hears that ISPs may be forced to put up their service charges to cover the cost of retaining communications data, should the Investigatory Powers Bill become law Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

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

By

• Krzysztof Polak

Boris Johnson lobbies for stronger UK technology ties with Israel

Mayor of London Boris Johnson wants Israel’s “top tech talent” to come to London and strengthen the UK’s technology partnership with the country Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

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

By

• Kim Loohuis

Business models still evolving as public Wi-Fi spend hits a high

A report from the Wireless Broadband Alliance reveals that most city CIOs have plans in place to significantly increase their investment in public Wi-Fi networking, but see challenges around their business models Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

HP plots its next move after split

In this week's Computer Weekly, as HP splits into two companies, we find out how HP Inc is staking its future on 3D printers and reinventing the PC market. We ask if OpenStack, the open source private cloud software, is ready for mainstream adoption. And we meet some of the Silicon Valley startups hoping to disrupt corporate IT. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Hewlett Packard Enterprise: think of us as a startup

As Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc finally part ways, UK managing director Andy Isherwood shares some insight on what the future holds for the newly minted enterprise business Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Ministry of Defence hoarding £38.5m worth of unused IPv4 addresses

A Freedom of Information request by network control specialist Infoblox has revealed that the MoD is hoarding millions of pounds worth of unused IPv4 addresses, while the UK government remains woefully unprepared for IPv6 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Expo Milano 2015 – Powered by Accenture

This year, Accenture supported the universal exhibition in Milan showcasing technology with the theme ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’ Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

German rail and transport group turns to virtual reality in war for talent

Deutsche Bahn claims to be the first company in Germany to use virtual reality as a recruitment tool Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Consumer take-up of Gigaclear fibre broadband exceeds BDUK rates

Ultrafast altnet Gigaclear marks a major milestone in its network roll-out and claims a higher take-up rate for its FTTP product than BT is seeing on the Openreach FTTC network Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CityFibre fills broadband connection voucher gap

CityFibre offers businesses free connections to replace government’s connection voucher scheme Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

The problem of smart cities and connectivity in the UK

Only once leaders develop a framework for local economic and societal development can the “smart city” buzz can evolve into “intelligent communities” Continue Reading

By

• David Brunnen, Groupe Intellex

Philips uses AWS and IoT to deliver healthcare in the home

Philips plans to make it easier for patients to self-monitor their health using Amazon web services (AWS) cloud and the internet of things (IoT) technologies Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

IT giants Dell and EMC unite

In this week's Computer Weekly, Dell's proposed $67bn acquisition of EMC would be the biggest in the history of IT – we assess the implications. £175bn of IT outsourcing contracts come up for renewal in the next three years- what are your options? And we hear from IT leaders about security and the internet of things. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

FTTP roll-out almost justifiable in economic terms, say analysts

The operational savings of deploying FTTP broadband are soon to overtake the capex costs associated with deployment, says Point Topic Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Ofcom regulates Amazon Instant Video

Broadcast watchdog Ofcom will regulate video-on-demand (VOD) services – such as Amazon Instant Video – although rules for VOD content differ from broadcast Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Sainsbury’s and Vodafone kill off MVNO joint venture

Mobile by Sainsbury’s MVNO will shut down in 2016, says the supermarket giant Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Low-power WANs overlooked for IoT connectivity, says Beecham

Beecham Research says machine-to-machine comms and the internet of things (IoT) will turn to low-power wide area networks (WANs) over mobile grids Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Three technologies to drive business

Emerging technologies such as 3D printers, the internet of things and APIs will deliver new business opportunities, and CIOs are in a position to drive forward these business strategies Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Vodafone tells Ofcom: Time to break up BT

Mobile network operator Vodafone lends its voice to the growing clamour arguing for full structural and functional separation of Openreach from BT Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Ford uses space robot communications to serve connected cars

Ford collaborates with St Petersburg State Polytechnic University in Russia to develop car communications using technology designed for space robotics Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Internet of things is next step along Infiniti Red Bull’s F1 journey

Formula 1 team Infiniti Red Bull Racing is beginning to explore the potential of the IoT as it makes ongoing improvements to its networking infrastructure with support from AT&T Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Researchers find credential-stealing webmail server APT attack

Security researchers have discovered a new and unique advanced persistent threat (APT) technique that involves a malicious module loaded onto a webmail server Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Keeping up with Cassandra, the NoSQL database

What does Call of Duty, the Hive smart thermostats, Social Weather and the William Hill bookie app all have in common? They are all powered by the Apache Cassandra NoSQL database Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Risky and untested: What went wrong with the ESN procurement?

In his first major interview since walking away from the Emergency Services Network procurement, Airwave COO John Lewis reveals why his company could take no further part in the process, and discusses the future of emergency services communications Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

AXA PPP gives clients online GP appointments

UK healthcare insurer AXA PPP gives clients access to online GP appointments from anywhere in the world Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How technology is helping deliver aid to Syrian refugees in the Middle East

The Syrian refugee crisis has engulfed the Middle East, but technology is proving to be an essential tool to help aid organisations support displaced people Continue Reading

By

• Andy Favell

Medical devices must be secure by design, say industry experts

The information security industry is calling for medical device manufacturers to design and build cyber security into all internet-enabled devices after thousands are found to be hackable Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Vodafone challenges for best network performance in London

RootMetrics report reveals a comprehensive analysis of mobile network quality in central London, with EE and Vodafone the top performers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Free energy from radio waves could power the internet of things

A pocket-sized pollution monitor is one of the first applications to use free energy from Wi-Fi and mobile phone signals Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

How to fully test IT networks for vulnerabilities

Making sure a company network is secure is a very important task, and one that should be scheduled regularly Continue Reading

By

• Steve Evans

Tech innovation leads the 'slow demise of traditional broadcast'

The broadcast sector is being revolutionised by internet technology, as delegates to the annual IBC show in Amsterdam found out Continue Reading

By

• Maria Ingold

Inside Taiwan: The engine room of the internet of things

Computer Weekly travelled to Taiwan to meet some of the tech companies that are quietly laying the foundations for the internet of things Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

BT platforms streamline UCC deployments for Microsoft and Cisco users

BT introduces new cloud unified comms and collaboration clouds to support Microsoft and Cisco environments Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Telcos could help drive cloud services into SMEs, says report

A study commissioned by cloud services marketplaces provider BCSG says telcos are a natural route to market for SME cloud services Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Worldwide Skype outage finally fixed

Microsoft-owned messaging service's technical difficulties have now been resolved, after users flooded social networking sites with downtime reports Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

MPs launch inquiry into the UK's digital economy

Business, Innovation and Skills Committee investigation will examine the challenges facing digital industries Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Gigabit network is more than a fringe benefit for city of Edinburgh

As CityFibre begins a 150km fibre dig in Edinburgh, local businesses and the city council outline their objectives and plans for ultrafast broadband Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

BT launches ethical hacking service for bankers

BT introduces a certified Crest Star ethical hacking test service for financial services customers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Consumers to get connection vouchers for satellite broadband

DCMS looks set to offer connection vouchers to help consumers access satellite broadband in remote parts of the UK Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Vodafone introduces nationwide Wi-Fi calling

Vodafone becomes second UK mobile operator after EE to give customers the ability to place voice calls over a wireless network connection Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cloudian boosts object storage HyperStore compliance features

Distributed object storage software maker Cloudian upgrades HyperStore with added granularity of data protection features that can help meet compliance requirements Continue Reading

By

• Antony Adshead, Storage Editor

German villages to take the lead in €2.7bn superfast broadband programme

The German government is aiming for universal 50Mbps broadband coverage by 2018 through a major community-led programme Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Myanmar internet gets boost with content delivery network

Myanmar internet users will start benefiting from changes in the law that encourages foreign direct investment in communications infrastructures Continue Reading

By

• Ai Lei Tao

Kellogg Brown and Root wins ESN Delivery Partner contract

Kellogg Brown and Root has won the contract to supply Lot 1 of the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Life’s a breach: How to handle the press after a hacking attack

Emily Dent, specialist in crisis PR, offers some advice to organisations that unexpectedly find themselves in the headlines Continue Reading

By

• Emily Dent

Altnet association calls for share of BDUK clawback cash

Broadband trade association Inca calls for BT’s BDUK broadband claw-back money to be opened up to altnet suppliers Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Broadband Stakeholder Group to review UK net neutrality policy

The Broadband Stakeholder Group commissions an independent review into the UK’s industry-led approach to net neutrality and the open internet Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

O2’s self-optimising network will learn from customers

O2 upgrades its mobile network with features that learn from customer behaviour to optimise network coverage and performance Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CW Nordics – August 2015 Edition

5G technology from Ericsson could soon be used to improve communication and remote control operations in the mines of Sweden. A project designed to improve productivity and safety in traditionally dangerous environments is being run by Ericsson, ABB, Boliden, SICS Swedish ICT and Volvo Construction Equipment. Continue Reading

Mobile phone users at risk as hackers bug and track victims

An investigation by Australian TV show 60 Minutes demonstrates how hackers based thousands of miles away in Germany were able to record the calls of an Australian senator and track his movements Continue Reading

By

• Ross Coulthart, 60 Minutes Australia

Ofcom launches mobile network coverage checker

Ofcom gives smartphone users the ability to check their operator’s mobile phone coverage at postcode level using an online tool Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Troubled HTC to restructure as smartphone shipments plummet

Taiwanese company announces major business restructure targeting connected lifestyle and wearable products following disappointing results Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

British Gas trials app-based smart-meter display

My energy live app will display real-time energy use on a smartphone, says British Gas Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Case study: Open University uses Microsoft Azure to create course content clearance hub

The Open University recently scooped the award for Best Cloud Project at the CW European User Awards, and here's why Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

BT Group's first-quarter results buoyed by superfast broadband and mobile demand

BT Group's first-quarter results highlight successes in superfast broadband and mobile divisions, but analyst warns of challenging times to come Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Investment in the internet of things boosts revenue for manufacturers

A TCS report reveals executives plan to increase spending on IoT initiatives to boost business Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Mobile operators must adapt data plans to address video boom

Over 52 million terabytes of data traffic will transit worldwide mobile networks this year alone, up by more than 50% on 2014, according to statistics from Gartner Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Software audits cut government IT bill by £85m in 2014/15

Annual accounts for the government purchasing agency show at least £220m in technology related savings Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Openreach CEO defends current operating model

Openreach CEO Joe Garner says that separating the organisation from BT would make no sense in light of improvements to its service Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Huawei to implement 4.5G network for Shanghai Disney

Huawei signs world’s first 4.5G network co-operation agreement to implement a smart city network at the Shanghai Disney resort Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Vodafone scheme to help SMEs get online

Vodafone is to trial a series of digital workshops for SMEs aimed at equipping them with a stronger online presence Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Huawei joins European 5G research project

Huawei commits to pan-European 5G Public Private Partnership (5G-PPP) plan to strengthen five separate 5G research projects Continue Reading

The IT behind Angry Birds

In this week's Computer Weekly, we talk to the CIO of Rovio Entertainment, the company behind the gaming phenomenon Angry Birds, about how he supports a global business with a five-person IT team. We assess your options for moving off Windows Server 2003 now support is ending. And our buyer's guide looks at log management. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

The internet of things could save the honeybee from extinction

Gemalto’s M2M unit is developing an ambitious project with agricultural science firm Eltopia and the University of Minnesota. The objective: to save the honeybee from extinction Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Ofcom fines EE £1m for breaking regulatory complaints procedures

Ofcom has fined mobile network operator EE £1m for failing to give customers information about taking stalled complaints to a dispute resolution process Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Wi-Fi enhances guest experience and profitability for Belgian theme park

Bobbejaanland, one of the largest theme parks in Belgium, is using a Fortinet Wi-Fi network to offer visitors access on the go, and improve its management capabilities Continue Reading

By

• Xavier Mertens

How Deutsche Telekom plans to challenge AWS and Google in the cloud

German telco Deutsche Telekom wants to evolve into the public cloud and plans to beat sector giants such as Amazon and Google at their own game Continue Reading

By

• Anne Morris

Metropolitan Police picks Innopsis to lead network procurement

London’s Metropolitan Police Service signs public-sector networking association Innopsis to lead engagement on network procurement Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Gigaclear to bring gigabit broadband to 4,500 Essex properties

Fibre broadband supplier Gigaclear wins a contract to deploy a network in Epping Forest as part of Superfast Essex’s Rural Challenge Project Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

West Yorkshire extends BT BDUK contract in £13m deal

West Yorkshire Combined Authority will extend the Superfast West Yorkshire BDUK scheme to 28,000 more properties by 2018 Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Connection voucher scheme opened to businesses across West Sussex

Small businesses in West Sussex will be able to apply for £3,000 broadband connection vouchers after the extension of an existing scheme across the county Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

BT rejects Sky calls for Openreach competition inquest

BT hits back after Sky asks telecoms regulator Ofcom to initiate a full investigation into Openreach Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cisco launches IoT System for enterprise and smart cities

Cisco unveils 15 products to address the growing complexity of internet of things deployments Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Computer Weekly European User Awards 2015 winners revealed

The winners have been announced for the Computer Weekly European User Awards 2015. See who made the top spots Continue Reading

By

• Kayleigh Bateman, Computer Weekly

Three things you may not know that DNS data can tell you

Big data tools can help network administrators gather new insights into security and performance from DNS data Continue Reading

By

• Simon McCalla, Nominet

MoD kick-starts procurement for new armed forces tactical communications system

The Ministry wants to replace aging Bowman Communications system with cutting edge networking kit by 2026 Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

What's slowing down your network and how to fix it

In this week's Computer Weekly, network performance problems are a common occurrence – we look at the likely causes and the way to fix them. Our latest buyer's guide takes a focus on DevOps, the combining of agile operational and development processes. And we find out how Apache Spark can help with real-time big data analytics. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Vodafone launches home broadband service

Vodafone unveils its Vodafone Connect broadband and home phone package, offering headline speeds of 76Mbps Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Vodafone and Liberty Global discuss asset swap

Vodafone confirms it is in the early stages of talks with Liberty Global, but stresses a merger is not on the table Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Peugeot Citroën prepares for in-car apps with Sierra Wireless

French car manufacturer PSA Peugeot Citroën plans to deploy device-to-cloud technology to support its connected car strategy Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

VMware puts network virtualisation to work in McAfee environments

VMware announces an integrated system to automate distribution and enforcement of McAfee’s network security platform using its NSX network virtualisation system Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Vodafone adds Caribbean 4G roaming for summer holidays

Vodafone extends its 4G services to a number of destinations – including Caribbean holiday hotspots – for UK customers travelling abroad Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Computer Weekly European User Awards 2015 shortlist

Find out who made the Computer Weekly European User Awards 2015 shortlist Continue Reading

By

• Kayleigh Bateman, Computer Weekly

Marseille: Europe’s networking gateway to Africa

The city of Marseille in southern France is fast becoming a hub for datacentre and network operators who want low latency connections to Africa. Continue Reading

By

• Anne Morris