Unified communications
Unified communications (UC) is an umbrella term for the integration of multiple enterprise communication tools -- such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging (IM), presence, content sharing, etc. See complete definition.
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News
02 Apr 2024
Microsoft pushes Teams out of M365 and O365 bundle globally
Microsoft claims Teams push out of bundle will simplify pricing, with enterprise IT buyers possibly better off Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2024
Vonage boosts conversational commerce with GenAI
Ericsson-owned cloud comms tech provider integrates generative AI capabilities with Conversational Commerce service to let contact centre agents generate creative content, automate tasks and improve user experience Continue Reading
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Feature
17 May 2021
The right tech choices for hybrid workers
Various studies give a mixed reaction to businesses returning to office work, but what is apparent is that support for remote working will continue Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2021
Employers rethinking office space, collaboration and technology in new hybrid workplace
As the pandemic eases, many business leaders are engaged with effectively offering remote working flexibility and are creating and communicating plans to their employees, setting expectations and guidelines moving forward Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2021
BT raises fibre broadband roll-out target despite challenging year
Impact of Covid-19 on consumer business combined with reduction in enterprise activity dents revenues and profits in a tough financial year, but UK telco promises significant growth in gigabit broadband roll-out Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2021
Cisco indicates intent to buy Socio Labs, Sedona Systems
Network giant aims to purchase developer of technology to deliver automation for routed optical networking, and modern event technology platform provider Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2021
UK digital leaders expect long-term changes to future working patterns
Research from digital infrastructure company reveals changing working patterns brought about by Covid-19, including a surge in digital infrastructure investment Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2021
New normal of remote, hybrid working sees two-thirds of European businesses increase IT spend
Remote IT support, cloud-based systems and cyber security infrastructure are among top IT investment priorities across all sectors as firms reassess priorities and practices in post-Covid working environment Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2021
Mildenhall claims digital communications upgrade first for East of England
Openreach focuses on Suffolk market town for the next step towards upgrading to digital services, with properties now unable to buy copper broadband if they are upgrading, regrading or switching provider Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2021
Brunel goes SD-WAN with Orange Business Services
Global specialist recruitment consultancy aims to accelerate time to market for new global offices with software-defined networking architecture Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2021
Ericsson, Telarus team to take 5G-ready virtual workspace to small businesses
5G-ready virtual desktop subscription service will cover business applications, compute, storage and security needs for small and medium-sized businesses Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2021
Deloitte: Widespread broadband infrastructure critical to the US economy
Deloitte study finds that increased broadband coverage, adoption and speed is needed to create more US jobs and GDP, but warns of diminishing returns due to lack of widespread, high-quality broadband access Continue Reading
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News
04 May 2021
Aryaka acquires cloud-based SASE platform Secucloud
SD-WAN provider makes its first-ever acquisition with purchase of German security company Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2021
JLL assures better office experience for hybrid workforce
Real estate and investment management professional services firm introduces collaboration suite designed to enhance employee connectivity, solidifying its suite of hybrid workplace offerings Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2021
Neos Networks launches business-grade Ethernet FTTx service across UK
Former SSE Enterprise Telecoms aims to provide a cost-effective, sub-1Gbps solution to support growing demand for full-fibre connectivity Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2021
Virgin Media innovation trials deliver 2.2Gbps broadband speeds
Latest stage in cableco’s trials of multi-gigabit broadband speeds in Southampton and Manchester deliver speeds around 40 times faster than the local average connection Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2021
EMEA business leaders out of touch with employees’ needs in new hybrid workplace
Research finds more alignment with staff is needed for firms to address the new hybrid world of work but nearly half of businesses plan tech investments to further improve the workplace experience Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2021
Zoom unveils $100m apps fund
After a blazing year fuelled by the pandemic, breakout conferencing solutions provider announces venture fund to stimulate innovation in the apps ecosystem Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2021
CityFibre switches on Milton Keynes to gigabit and names Edinburgh infrastructure lead
Gigabit provider City Fibre says it is enabling thousands more residents in Milton Keynes to access its full-fibre network and high-speed broadband services, and names Paul Wakefield as lead of infrastructure build in Edinburgh Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2021
Openreach selects STL as a strategic partner for full-fibre build-out
BT-owned broadband provision division teams with digital network integrator to hasten full-fibre network build and provide skills and innovation to extend reach and scope Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2021
UK employees’ adaptation to Covid workplace creates digital transformation dilemma
Research finds nearly two-fifths of UK employees fear the ‘old way’ of doing things will return after the pandemic Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2021
UK workforce finds happiness in ability to work from anywhere
Study finds 44% of UK workers consider the ability to work remotely as a driver of happiness and 61% would support government policies aimed at the widespread adoption of ‘hybrid’ working practices Continue Reading
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12 Apr 2021
Employees express high expectations of IT in world of ‘work from anywhere’
Research from network performance monitoring solution provider AppNeta finds pandemic pushing organisations to transform workplace models to accommodate ‘new normal’ of work Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2021
Software République consortium to cash in on intelligent, sustainable mobility opportunities
With new value propositions at stake, five IT, industrial, automotive and comms leaders have laid the foundations for an open innovation ecosystem in the mobility market Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2021
Almost half of UK office workers fear return to offices
Research shows 83% of UK office workers agree that flexible working is here to stay, but fears persist of catching Covid-19 from colleagues if they return to the office Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2021
5PRING, Ferrovial challenge UK 5G innovators to lead UK construction ‘revolution’
Leading UK 5G testbed provider announces partnership with global infrastructure operator to understand and assist in the development of the potential 5G has to take construction to a new level Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
More than two-thirds of staff want flexible working to stay
Microsoft research finds 71% of UK workers want flexible work options to remain after the Covid crisis has passed and one-third are likely to move to a new location in the next year because they can work remotely Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
Businesses need to heed employee bounce in hybrid workplace
Workplace tech firm releases study showing how firms are grappling with the depth and breadth of the return-to-office process and unveils new platform to help enable an effective hybrid workplace Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
Over a quarter of C-suites say their hybrid work model won’t be ready until 2022
Survey reveals few companies have got in place, or even established, norms and policies to address the new world of hybrid working Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
5G Future Forum calls for members
Hoping to provide “a beacon of opportunities previously untapped”, 5G Future Forum is seeking new members to bolster ecosystem of expanded 5G partnerships and establish global edge market that drives innovation, collaboration and competition Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2021
Firms balance new tech deployment, security and skills as IT moves past pandemic
Sunburst cyber attack rubs salt into the wounds of firms struggling to cope with the new demands on networks in the post-Covid working environment, says survey Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2021
2020 network upstream growth rate nearly 4x pre-pandemic levels
OpenVault study shows the impact of business hours increases and individual subscriber behaviour on upstream capacity is putting unprecedented strain on network operators Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2021
Plume introduces WorkPass for small businesses
Smart home tech provider offers secure hyper connectivity and personalised smart home solutions as the home becomes the office Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2021
Cisco launches next-gen networking suite to address post-pandemic ‘new normal’
Networking technology and services giant makes significant expansion of network line as it recognises that as workforces become increasingly hybrid, traditional network and security frameworks can no longer keep pace Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2021
Employees express high expectations of IT in world of ‘work from anywhere’
Research from network performance monitoring solution provider AppNeta finds pandemic pushing organisations to transform workplace models to accommodate ‘new normal’ of work Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2021
Three-quarters of employees feel worse from remote working
Survey by security technology specialist reveals that the thrill of home working has gone, and there is a generational divide in working conditions Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2021
Remote working burn-out a factor in security risk
After a year of working from the kitchen table, stress and burn-out are increasing, giving rise to more security risks – and Millennials seem to be particularly affected Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2021
Sky enters business broadband arena with Sky Connect
Broadband provider launches scheme to give UK’s small businesses a better broadband experience, creating 1,000 jobs in the process Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2021
Google Cloud claims revolution with Network Connectivity Centre
Cloud giant introduces platform designed to allow enterprises to simplify complex heterogeneous networks for on-prem and cloud connectivity needs and connect with Cisco SD-WAN as a single network Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2021
PCCW Global expands SD-WAN services with uCPE, NFV
Hong Kong-based international communications service provider brings new level of user experience, enhanced security, automation and simplified management to global infrastructure Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2021
SD-WAN, SASE see spike as firms experience ‘network nightmare’ in 2020
Networking tech firm’s annual survey shows Covid-driven home networking sees network complexity skyrocket Continue Reading
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News
23 Mar 2021
Why collaboration is the next driver in enterprise software
Use of enterprise collaboration tools has exploded during the pandemic. Now they are expanding their remit into the realm of enterprise systems Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2021
Big four make small impression in Which? UK broadband survey
As remote working became the default during the UK lockdown, the importance of dependable and enterprise-acceptable home broadband was never more crucial, but Which? shows that the country’s largest providers have proved a let-down regarding connection reliability, internet speeds and value for money Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2021
Altnet association warns of threat to UK full-fibre roll-out
Independent Networks Co-operative Association warns that recent momentum in gigabit broadband implementation could be delayed if independent providers and their investors believe UK comms regulator is not willing to listen to their concerns Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2021
Avaya adds AI, advanced meeting capabilities to Spaces collaboration platform
IP comms firm announces new capabilities for workstream collaboration platform, offering evolved unified communications capabilities via a user’s preferred device Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2021
UK online traffic soars during year in lockdown
Research from leading UK ISP reveals online usage in the UK has increased by 78% year-on-year since the first lockdown Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2021
Employers face delicate balancing act as hybrid workforce emerges from lockdown
Study from UK telco advises firms to prepare for the divided demands of the post-lockdown workforce Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2021
Ofcom revamps wholesale broadband rules to ramp up full-fibre roll-out
UK comms regulator announces new guidelines for the UK wholesale telecoms market, with the principal aim to drive investment in fibre gigabit services and support the closure of the UK’s copper network Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2021
Eseye looks to Verizon to enable IoT localisation
Partnership aims to enable customers with global IoT deployments to localise devices over-the-air to operator’s network, avoiding permanent roaming issues and delivering global IoT connectivity Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2021
Community Fibre scales up gigabit offerings for London businesses
ISP pivots from home to business to provide new features tailored to SMEs’ needs and hires new head of business and wholesale to assist post-lockdown working environment Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2021
O2 Business aims to boost flexible working with digital workplace
Operator strengthens digital workplace portfolio with two new propositions to help business owners get the latest devices and integrate voice services for Microsoft Teams Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2021
LogMeIn refreshes GoToConnect to support permanent shift to flexible work
Collaboration technology provider enhances core suite to empower customers to connect from anywhere and integrate with leading collaboration systems Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2021
AT&T adds managed SASE to portfolio
Comms and IT provider AT&T teams with security specialist Fortinet to offer network solution based on SASE principles to support distributed workforces and solve associated challenges Continue Reading
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Podcast
09 Mar 2021
Hybrid working, diversity progress – Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast
In this episode of the Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast, Caroline Donnelly, Clare McDonald and Brian McKenna discuss hybrid working, progress in diversity and data in healthcare Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2021
T-Mobile targets post-pandemic workplace with remote working suite
Aiming to address a world of work in which Covid-19 brought a decade’s worth of progress in a year’s time,T-Mobile launches a collaborative solutions suite that it says will meet the challenges of remote working head on Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2021
Connectivity the ‘unsung hero’ of the future of work
Research finds that by stripping away bureaucracy, flattening hierarchies and streamlining processes, the response to Covid-19 has given an indication as to how work could and should change for the better, but there will be losers along with the winners Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2021
Vodafone promises ‘unbreakable’ broadband without breaking the bank
New hybrid Pro Broadband product aims to deliver Wi-Fi in every room through hybrid router that is claimed to deliver uninterrupted wireless connectivity Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2021
UK network users burn through unprecedented data in lockdown 3
Coinciding with the launch of Call of Duty: Warzone update, Virgin Media records its busiest day on record, with the average user downloading more than 20GB of data Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2021
Three UK broadens 4G, 5G reach
UK operator reveals the pace at which its 5G network is expanding according to an expansion plan announced at end of 2020 and gives visibility into its 4G net build Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2021
Community Fibre claims progress in London gigabit roll-out
ISP doubles the number of London homes enabled with its full-fibre broadband to more than 200,000 and increases its customer base by 130% in a year Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2021
Deloitte: How organisations can prepare for new look office work
In the 1980s, desktop computing changed the workplace. Today, the coronavirus pandemic has led to companies rewriting a 40-year-old rule book Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2021
Warning on security risk from virtual events platforms
Vulnerabilities found in virtual events platforms could form part of a variant supply chain attack Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2021
Huawei: World faces risk of K-shaped post-Covid economic recovery
MWC keynote sees Huawei deputy chairman warn that innovation is not just about solving current challenges, but about ‘lighting up tomorrow’ with innovation to make businesses smarter and create a more inclusive world Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2021
GSMA: 5G drives recovery from Covid
Research from global trade body for the mobile industry finds that, driven by China, adoption of next-generation networks will enable global economies to get back on track over the short to mid-term Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2021
Bharti Airtel, Qualcomm team to advance 5G Open RAN in India
Subcontinent’s premier communication systems provider announces partnership with leading provider of communications chips and chipsets to accelerate the adoption of next-generation networks in India Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2021
Tech shortfalls erode company culture in mid-size businesses
Nearly half of European office workers feel their company culture has suffered due to coronavirus restrictions, with companies faced with the difficult task of creating a supportive, digital-driven company culture that works for everyone Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2021
C Spire taps Amdocs for 5G wireless policy and charging
US telco makes key 5G technology investment to be able to offer what it says will be the ‘most innovative’ 5G customer experience now and in the future Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2021
More than two-thirds of firms would invest in dedicated remote working connectivity
Firms are faced with supporting more remote working for their businesses going forward, and a survey has shed light on what form this support will take and what firms believe they will need in the ‘new normal’ Continue Reading
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E-Zine
16 Feb 2021
How Covid-19 has hit IT salaries and job prospects
In this week’s Computer Weekly, our salary survey reveals the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on IT professionals’ wages and job security. A potentially deadly cyber attack on a US water plant highlights the risks to critical infrastructure. And we find out how NHS Scotland is using tech to support its vaccine roll-out. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2021
Zoom fatigue kicks in as working from home becomes working from phone
Research from leading telecoms operator finds over a third of Brits working from home are increasingly switching to mobile data to stay online in lockdown Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2021
Remote workers battle for home broadband
Research reveals that maybe the real issue in the big broadband debate is to be found inside the home rather than outside, especially for remote workers Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2021
Masergy, Cisco construct UCaaS collaboration solution
SD-WAN provider teams with networking and collaboration technology giant to address distributed enterprises’ communications needs Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2021
Massive uptick in collaboration software usage in 2020
US and Europe show differing directions of travel in remote working take-up but leading collaboration systems exhibit four-figure growth since February 2020, with usage levels set to remain high as the new normal of work establishes itself Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2021
Société Générale adopts work-from-home policy
French bank formalises remote working policy after discussions with labour unions Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2021
BT claims £24bn value as it enables new customer experience for Walgreens Boots
As it announces role in delivering transformation for pharmacy chain, BT reveals data showing that it employs one in every 12 people in UK’s IT and communications sector Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2021
CityFibre lights up Yorkshire cities with gigabit connectivity
Former altnet turned UK’s third national digital infrastructure platform provider announces plan to transform two of the White Rose county’s largest conurbations into digitally connected cities Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Feb 2021
Audi fine-tunes its digital performance to boost online car sales
In this week’s Computer Weekly, the digital chief at Audi UK discusses how the carmaker is tackling the slump in new car sales. One of the largest global malware botnets has been taken down, but how much of a blow will it be for cyber criminals? And we hear how one county council made huge savings on its SAP installation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2021
Deutsche Telekom taps Nokia for optical transport network modernisation
Global operator signs deal to deploy optical transport portfolio to deliver more automated, higher-capacity network to meet growing demands of residential and Industry 4.0 Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2021
Large and small firms accelerate UC technology adoption in response to Covid-19
Large companies showed an increase of nearly 40%, an increased adoption driven by remote working surge caused by the pandemic Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Feb 2021
Trends in collaboration technologies
Making predictions for anything in these Covid-defined times can leave even the most switched on feeling foolish Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2021
Poly pivots product line to remote working
Latest Poly P Series offers pro-grade webcams, video bars, speakerphones and an all-in-one video conferencing monitor, with remote management and software services to address new normal Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2021
Liverpool City Council upgrades to cloud-based contact centre
An 8x8 integrated cloud PaaS contact centre with voice, team chat and meetings support is helping to drive the council’s digital agenda Continue Reading
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E-Zine
02 Feb 2021
Business intelligence helps ambulance service’s pandemic response
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how one ambulance service is using business intelligence tools to join up datasets to improve its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our latest buyer’s guide examines video conferencing and collaboration. And we look at the benefits of real-time streaming data analytics. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Feb 2021
Three approaches to remote collaboration for home workers
The coronavirus has led to working from home being the ‘new norm’. We look at how collaboration technologies could work in the long term Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2021
Collaboration to the fore as ‘staggering’ change predicted for IT in 2021
With 2020 exposing the leaders versus the laggards in enterprise digital transformation, research shows companies intend to invest in SD-WAN and MPLS, UCaaS and CCaaS to stay competitive in 2021 Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2021
European telecoms big guns team up to drive Open RAN deployments
Major regional operators embark upon collaboration to provide a framework for the creation of an interoperable market for Open RAN Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2021
Few workers see employers as ready for new normal
Study finds vast majority of workers feel employers are not fully prepared to support the longer-term move to a hybrid workforce, prompting a need for organisations to plan their ‘future workplace’ better Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2021
Hybrid working a reality but business leaders not yet giving up on the office
Research finds C-suite executives and business leaders will primarily split their workforces between on-site and remote work, with markedly small numbers looking to adopt exclusive on-site or remote working practices Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Jan 2021
Security Think Tank: It’s time to secure the collaboration revolution
After a year of unprecedented disruption thanks to Covid-19, it looks like remote working is set to remain with us for now, which means security strategies will change in 2021. What will this change look like, and what tools and services will be selling like hotcakes? Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2021
Legacy security architectures threaten to disrupt remote working
Annual survey of IT leaders finds network security is of prime concern as most companies continue with work-from-home policies Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2021
Hyperoptic offers free broadband packages for home schooling
Full-fibre broadband provider helps to address issues facing UK schoolchildren in digital poverty who lack a reliable Internet connection for home learning Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2021
Google Cloud, Nokia accelerate readiness for cloud-native enterprise 5G solutions
Cloud platform provider and comms tech supplier announce plans to jointly develop cloud-native 5G core solutions for communications service providers and enterprise customers with cloud capabilities to the network edge to accelerate enterprise digital transformation Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2021
Zoom reveals phone product spike, public offer price
Strong service performance, reliability and enterprise-grade features drive uptake of Zoom Phone as still rapidly growing conferencing firm announces $1.75bn share offering Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2021
Telstra International appoints South Asia head
The international arm of Telstra has hired former DXC Technology executive Geraldine Kor as its managing director for South Asia to tap new growth opportunities Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2021
Virgin Media aims for in-home connectivity transformation with Intelligent WiFi Plus
As it ramps up gigabit network development in locations across the UK, cableco launches Wi-Fi access devices to work with new access system to bring up to three times faster in-home wireless speeds Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2021
Community Fibre ups ante with fibre-based entertainment service
London-based fibre altnet uses growing gigabit network to offer first entertainment service based on full-fibre broadband Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2021
Bahrain hopes 5G roll-out will attract more tech firms to its shores
Bahrain has completed its 5G roll-out, which will support its IT infrastructure in creating the right environment for technology firms Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2021
BT offers unlimited data for remote learning
UK incumbent telco joins campaign to make sure disadvantaged children can get connected as Covid-19 lockdown closes schools and other educational establishments Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2021
EXFO forms full-fibre testing initiative with Openreach
BT broadband provision division to deploy permanent full-fibre monitoring technology to assist in programme to deliver broadband across UK homes Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2021
Five million UK households paying £804m more than they should for broadband
Significant number of UK householders won’t switch broadband networks for fear of losing their connection or the perceived hassle of switching, but many are left paying too much, research shows Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2021
Iskratel top of the world with Potosí fibre-optic deployment
GPON broadband network deployed to meet the needs of thousands of residents in the highest city in the world Continue Reading
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News
31 Dec 2020
Top 10 networking stories of 2020
Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 networking stories of 2020 Continue Reading