TechTarget News - Week of May 10, 2020
Mon May 11, 2020
Micro Focus sees growth in mainframe migration business
Lifting and shifting Cobol code from mainframes to public cloud has been a growth driver for Micro Focus in the Asia-Pacific region, even as the software supplier continues to diversify its business
Mon May 11, 2020
Midwich indicates acquisition strategy remains going forward
Distributor uses AGM to update on progress made after 2019 saw the firm seal four deals to expand the business
Mon May 11, 2020
AWS vs Microsoft: US JEDI contract dispute develops into war of words between tech giants
Amazon and Microsoft are embroiled in a ‘battle of the blogs’ over the former’s continued efforts to get its claims that it lost out on a major US cloud contract due to ‘significant political interference’ fully investigated
Mon May 11, 2020
Scottish government launches tech sector review
Review, to be led by former Skyscanner COO Mark Logan, will look at how tech sector can help Scotland’s economy recover from Covid-19
Mon May 11, 2020
Rubrik CEO talks pandemic impact, Forward digital conference
Rubrik CEO says 'We are social beings, and nothing can replace the face-to-face connection' of a physical user conference. But Rubrik's virtual show will attract a wider audience.
Mon May 11, 2020
Contact-tracing app hits teething troubles as minister confirms changes could be made
UK contact-tracing saga continues as UK government releases details of impact assessment on the app and admits that adaptations and even total change in form are not off the table
Mon May 11, 2020
Dell EMC launches PowerStore NVMe container-based storage array
PowerStore controller software is based on container modules for SAN and NAS storage, while the mid-range array is all-NVMe and aimed at performance-hungry use cases such as Splunk
Mon May 11, 2020
Volunteers join forces to tackle COVID-19 security threats
The COVID-19 Cyber Threat Coalition has amassed approximately 4,000 volunteers from the infosec community to monitor, analyze and block pandemic-themed threats across the globe.
Mon May 11, 2020
Ericsson bullish on 5G despite Covid-19
Comms tech company’s chief highlights the importance of connectivity during times of crisis and unprecedented surge in network traffic
Mon May 11, 2020
Pitney Bowes hit by Maze in second ransomware attack in a year
Shipping services firm falls victim to Maze ransomware just seven months after a previous major attack
Mon May 11, 2020
Rubrik Polaris enhancements unveiled at Forward summit
Rubrik Polaris data management platform extended its support to several cloud workloads popular among enterprise customers: AWS RDS, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft OneDrive.
Mon May 11, 2020
Latest Power BI update focuses on ease of use
Featuring new natural language generation and data modeling capabilities, the latest Power BI platform upgrade aims to help organizations develop a data-driven culture.
Mon May 11, 2020
Four in 10 Australians will share GPS data for alerting
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, 40% of Australians are likely to share GPS data with the government to facilitate alerting, new study finds
Tue May 12, 2020
Banks failing to protect customers from coronavirus fraud
Just 13 of the 64 banks accredited for the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme have implemented Dmarc protection
Tue May 12, 2020
How Australian firms can plug data protection gaps
Australian organisations can address data protection challenges by creating roles such as a data governance lead, classifying data and improving employee awareness of cyber hygiene
Tue May 12, 2020
Maze ransomware attack will cost Cognizant at least $50m to $70m
Cognizant’s clients cut off the IT supplier’s access to their networks to contain a Maze ransomware attack – effectively putting projects on hold
Tue May 12, 2020
Government launches online portal to arrange coronavirus testing kits for care homes
UK care homes are now able to digitally arrange deliveries of Covid-19 test kits through the launch of an online portal
Tue May 12, 2020
APAC firms still coming to grips with data protection
More governments in Asia are implementing data protection regimes, but challenges such as checkbox compliance and the lack of effective staff training remain
Tue May 12, 2020
Australia’s Kmart gears up for mainframe migration
Retailer is lifting and shifting some old Cobol code to AWS while rebuilding others into microservices in its mainframe migration move
Tue May 12, 2020
Police failing to consult public on new technologies
A freedom of information campaign has revealed that UK police are largely failing to consult the public on their use of new technologies, with the potential to undermine the principle of policing by consent
Tue May 12, 2020
Check Point driving partners into growth areas
Security player Check Point has seen some success in the months since launching the latest incarnation of its partner programme
Tue May 12, 2020
Pay the ransom and double your recovery costs, report warns
Paying cyber criminals a ransom to recover your data adds over half a million dollars to the cost of organisational recovery, says Sophos
Tue May 12, 2020
Details released of second UK contact-tracing app development
Contractual documents show Zuhlke Engineering receiving an official start date of 6 May to supply a managed delivery team to support and run proximity mobile application and services for the UK
Tue May 12, 2020
Companies lose out as digital transformation costs skyrocket
Many projects fail to deliver because of other pressures on IT and the complexities of multicloud technology
Tue May 12, 2020
Coronavirus: Nationwide’s human expertise used to quickly build smart agent amid pandemic
Nationwide Building Society is the latest financial services company to quickly automate customer services related to Covid-19
Tue May 12, 2020
Replication highlights Pure Storage FlashBlade OS update
Pure Storage Purity v3 adds snapshots for file and object data between FlashBlade arrays and Amazon S3 buckets. Replication matches functionality in Pure FlashArray block storage.
Tue May 12, 2020
Vodafone shrugs Virgin move as it posts steady financial year
UK operator claims to have defied the odds and bucked the market in last financial year but warns of impact of Covid-19 on business
Tue May 12, 2020
MPs take part in first live test of remote voting during Covid-19 debate
MPs will use phones and computers to vote from their homes in a House of Commons debate today in the biggest change in parliamentary procedure for 150 years
Tue May 12, 2020
Draft Covid-19 contact tracing legislation proposes formal oversight
Human Rights Committee chair Harriet Harman has outlined a proposed bill to guarantee the security and privacy of data generated by the UK’s Covid-19 contact tracing app
Tue May 12, 2020
Sigma Computing brings in new CEO
Startup BI vendor Sigma Computing has hired Mike Palmer to take over as CEO and allow co-founders Rob Woollen and Jason Frantz to focus on product innovation.
Tue May 12, 2020
Cockroach Labs looks to accelerate cloud-native database
Spencer Kimball, co-founder and CEO of Cockroach Labs, talks about the distributed SQL database vendor and its future, with new financing and a new cloud-native database release.
Tue May 12, 2020
Salesforce coronavirus contact tracing platform goes national
Salesforce gets involved in state and local health authorities' coronavirus contact tracing efforts in New York City, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, California and Louisiana.
Tue May 12, 2020
Q1 data breaches down, but exposed records reach new high
Threat intelligence firm Risk Based Security released its 2020 Q1 Report, which shows a 273 percent increase in exposed records and 42 percent decrease in publicly reported breaches.
Wed May 13, 2020
Coronavirus: APAC organisations find scalability with cloud
Australia’s NSW Health and Indonesia’s HaloDoc are among a growing crop of Asia-Pacific organisations that are relying on cloud scalability to extend digital services to more users and customers
Wed May 13, 2020
European comms bodies set up standards group, call for vigilance on contact-tracing apps
New ETSI group will develop standardisation framework for secure smartphone-based proximity tracing systems, helping to break Covid-19 transmission chains
Wed May 13, 2020
Microsoft fixes 16 critical vulnerabilities on Patch Tuesday
The trend towards mammoth Patch Tuesdays continues as Microsoft fixes 111 vulnerabilities
Wed May 13, 2020
British public largely distrustful of technology companies, says report
High levels of distrust in the motivations of technology companies and a lack of meaningful influence over their behaviour has left the British public feeling digitally disempowered, says Doteveryone report
Wed May 13, 2020
Google-powered algorithm set to modernise insurance brokering
Algorithm, developed in conjunction with UCL, drives a Lloyd’s of London syndicate electronically
Wed May 13, 2020
Security rising to the top of the pile for MSPs
Research has indicated an increasing number of SMEs have been targets of cyber attacks and they are reaching out to the channel for support
Wed May 13, 2020
Comms tech firms eye partnership opportunities with provider community
In latest example of growing trend, Virgin Media Business signs strategic partnership with integrated cloud communications platform to extend voice and unified communications portfolio
Wed May 13, 2020
May Patch Tuesday brings a bevy of SharePoint fixes
Microsoft delivers corrections for 111 unique vulnerabilities with a significant number aimed at SharePoint, which may signal growing interest from attackers.
Wed May 13, 2020
Cornerstone takes next steps in Saba acquisition
Following its acquisition of Saba Software, Cornerstone OnDemand is appointing Saba's CEO, Phil Saunders, as its new leader. Product integrations are planned.
Wed May 13, 2020
Telcos’ enterprise ambitions at risk from private network operators, private spectrum
Research finds a rising number of spectrum initiatives underpinning strong momentum for private cellular networks within enterprises
Wed May 13, 2020
Nimbus Data shows off flashy OS upgrades with ExaFlash One
Customers can size and order Nimbus Data ExaFlash One arrays online for flat $10,000 one-time cost. Nimbus Tectonic license costs $10,000 annually and includes controller upgrades and all software licenses.
Wed May 13, 2020
Report reveals inadequate cyber security at Schiphol Airport
A report has revealed problems with critical security systems in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport
Wed May 13, 2020
New Intel Optane SSDs, DIMMs, flash remain on track for 2020
Intel executives said pandemic-related supply chain issues would not affect deliveries of next-generation Optane SSDs and memory modules and 144-layer NAND flash products in 2020.
Wed May 13, 2020
Government tells social media companies they must go further to address disinformation
House of Lords committee hears about government collaboration with social media firms to combat pandemic-related disinformation and online harms
Wed May 13, 2020
Backblaze S3-compatible APIs set up cloud battle
Backblaze releases S3-compatible APIs for its B2 Cloud Storage. Several vendor partners joined the launch with integrations. Uses include backup and archiving.
Wed May 13, 2020
Experts say mobile voting tech isn't the answer to COVID-19
Despite the mounting need for another alternative to in-person voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, experts say mobile and online voting is just not ready for the general public.
Wed May 13, 2020
Nutanix DR gets automated, adds orchestration, replication
Nutanix builds in disaster recovery capabilities to its HCI operating system to complement its Xi Leap DRaas and coming Nutanix Clusters running in public clouds.
Wed May 13, 2020
Redis Labs expands database to real-time data processing
Open source database vendor Redis Labs released RedisGears and RedisAI in an effort to expand the Redis platform beyond database to enable a real-time data processing system.
Wed May 13, 2020
VMware Tanzu seeks IT attention with Kubernetes security buy
VMware buys Octarine for security cred in a crowded Kubernetes management market, but some VMware shops will shift to SaaS apps rather than deal with container infrastructure.
Wed May 13, 2020
Facebook advances AI used to detect hate speech
Facebook can now proactively find and flag hate speech better. Meanwhile, the social media giant's AI Research made BlenderBot, an advanced conversational AI system, open source.
Thu May 14, 2020
SK Telecom brings quantum security to the masses
The South Korean telco is readying the world’s first 5G smartphone equipped with a quantum random number generator chipset
Thu May 14, 2020
UK’s contact-tracing app targeted by scammers
Even though it is only operational on the Isle of Wight as a beta test, the UK government’s coronavirus contact-tracing app has already attracted the attention of cyber criminals
Thu May 14, 2020
Vodafone aids Covid-19 fight with added capacity for NHS Scotland, and introduces IoT thermal camera
Comms tech to the fore in assisting key workers at temporary coronavirus facility in Glasgow, while heat detection camera combining thermal imaging and IoT capability will help facilitate people’s return to work
Thu May 14, 2020
China targeting Covid-19 researchers through IT suppliers, claims US
The US CISA says it is seeing targeting and attempted network compromise of Covid-19 research centres by China
Thu May 14, 2020
Deutsche Bank’s planned tech spend unaffected by global crisis
Deutsche bank is driving on with its ambitious IT investment plans, with the Covid-19 pandemic, if anything, adding fuel to it
Thu May 14, 2020
Jabra managing a surge in headset demand
The shift to remote working has seen many collaborative tools fly off the shelves, but that has posed challenges for vendors and their partners
Thu May 14, 2020
Coronavirus fails to stop consolidation trend
Deals are still being done as firms look beyond the current crisis to secure a stronger future for their businesses
Thu May 14, 2020
Coronavirus: Asos launches See My Fit to replace model photoshoots
Online fashion brand’s augmented reality technology enables customers to see how an outfit might look on them
Thu May 14, 2020
Venafi buys cloud protection service Jetstack
Jetstack specialises in open source machine identity protection software for Kubernetes and cloud native ecosystems
Thu May 14, 2020
Adobe releases AI tools for sales, marketing and e-commerce
Adobe beefs up its AI tools for Experience Platform, including a customer intelligence tool and ones for leads, content matching, channel monitoring and customer journeys.
Thu May 14, 2020
US maintains ban on Chinese tech firms as Huawei, ZTE make 5G leaps
White House extends executive order that effectively bans US companies from using comms equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, while Huawei and ZTE reveal new 5G advances
Thu May 14, 2020
Coronavirus: Nearly £2bn of UK fintech investment lost so far
Investment into UK fintechs falls dramatically during Covid-19 pandemic as venture capitalists hold back
Thu May 14, 2020
Quest launches NetVault 13 after CEO change
NetVault's Quest for stability: Version 13 adds a REST API and Teams backup for Office 365. Analysts say it's a good product, but can Quest's new CEO improve its market execution?
Thu May 14, 2020
IBM fast-tracks updates to key middleware, Db2 for cloud era
Hoping to close the competitive gap with rivals AWS and Microsoft, IBM plans to revamp its lineup of legacy middleware products with improved cloud and AI technologies.
Thu May 14, 2020
Booz Allen, Securonix partner to provide SIEM as a service
The expanded partnership offers 24/7 managed service aimed at reducing the complexity and cost of security information and event management infrastructure.
Thu May 14, 2020
Cisco looks to close gaps in Webex Teams video conferencing
Cisco Webex Teams still does not have all the same video conferencing features as Webex Meetings.
Thu May 14, 2020
Intel makes new investments in AI startups
Intel reveals new investments in 11 startups focused on AI, automation and chip design as the tech giant ramps up its efforts in the AI hardware market.
Thu May 14, 2020
CISA identifies malware from North Korean hacking group
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in conjunction with the FBI and DoD, has identified three variants of malware used by the North Korean government.
Thu May 14, 2020
Enterprises struggle to learn Microsoft Sonic networking
Problems with Microsoft Sonic include a lack of management tools, weak support from hardware vendors and a steep learning curve for engineers, companies said at the OCP Virtual Summit.
Thu May 14, 2020
IT spending now expected to decline 5.1% in face of pandemic
Spending on PCs and mobile devices in 2020 is expected to take the biggest hit, according to analyst firm IDC -- but spending on IT infrastructure will rise.
Thu May 14, 2020
Nvidia unveils A100 GPU for demanding AI workloads
Designed for demanding AI and data science workloads, Nvidia's new A100 processor is a powerhouse, but it's also power-hungry and high-heat-producing.
Thu May 14, 2020
Harman seeks to bring private member’s bill over contact tracing
Chair of Human Rights Committee aims to put the proposed Contact Tracing (Data Protection) Bill 2020 before parliament as a private member’s bill if necessary
Thu May 14, 2020
NHS digital transformation ‘slower than expected’, says NAO
The digital transformation of the NHS has been plagued by insufficient funding, technical challenges and lack of clarity, according to the National Audit Office
Fri May 15, 2020
Government pushes towards digital to reignite housing market
Minister calls for more virtual viewings and greater use of online tools for planning as the UK prepares to get its housing and construction sector up and running again
Fri May 15, 2020
Law firm hackers threaten to release dirt on Trump
A new ransom demand of $42m has been made against New York law firm Grubman, Shire, Meiselas and Sacks, and it may be the largest ever, say security experts
Fri May 15, 2020
Q&A: Matt Richards, CMO at Datto, on MSPs navigating the virus
The managed services community is downgrading its growth expectations for this year, but is set to come through the Covid-19 pandemic
Fri May 15, 2020
Royal Berkshire NHS Trust uses AI to speed up stroke treatment
Trust has deployed an artificial intelligence app to help read and interpret scans so that clinicians can treat stroke patients better and more quickly
Fri May 15, 2020
Computacenter business strengthens during lockdown trading
Channel giant issues a trading statement that will provide cheer not only to investors but also those keen to see the channel shake off the impact of the coronavirus
Fri May 15, 2020
Rolls-Royce uses digital twins in Power Systems Customer 4.0 strategy
The Power Systems unit has begun using technology from Iotics to collect data points for engines in the field and build digital simulation models
Fri May 15, 2020
Covid-19: NHS reveals comms network strain as virus spread
Patients hit the web and phone lines for coronavirus assessments, with demand peaking as lockdown was announced, says health service
Fri May 15, 2020
Questions raised after UK’s electrical grid shrugs off cyber attack
Attack on Elexon was resolved within hours with no impact on the national electricity supply, but it could have been much worse
Fri May 15, 2020
Coronavirus: Digital bank’s valuation falls as it seeks funds to ride Covid-19 storm
Monzo is seeking new investment to help it through the coronavirus pandemic
Fri May 15, 2020
Sweden’s Preem puts automation to the test
Preem is automating software testing as part of a wider plan that includes the introduction of robotic process automation software
Fri May 15, 2020
BT reported to be in talks to sell off Openreach to fund full-fibre roll-out
Report suggests Openreach sale could raise £20bn as BT announces £12bn build programme to extend FTTP network
Fri May 15, 2020
Oracle Analytics for Cloud HCM gives new capabilities to HR
The newly released tool is designed to give HR managers more ability to run their own analytics and merge employee data with finance data in new ways.
Fri May 15, 2020
Interview: Bev White, chief executive, Harvey Nash
The Harvey Nash executive talks about recruitment during the coronavirus crisis, a new wave of interest in outsourcing, and leadership skills and challenges
Fri May 15, 2020
At long last, Microsoft Teams to get multiwindow support
Microsoft Teams is finally getting multiwindow support to help with multitasking.
Fri May 15, 2020
Looker analytics platform adding app development capability
Amid its integration into the Google Cloud Platform portfolio, Looker continues to focus on adding new embedded BI tools and creating new features for application developers.
Fri May 15, 2020
Essential firms forge on with AIOps for incident response
AIOps systems for incident response have helped a bank and a provider of care services in the home streamline operations amid a pandemic emergency and an ongoing IT skills shortage.
Fri May 15, 2020
Cisco says IT spending uptick possible despite pandemic
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins said some industries could resume IT spending soon, despite the pandemic. Robbins' comments came after the company reported an 8% drop in quarterly revenue.
Fri May 15, 2020
Talkdesk adds virtual agents, rebrands CCaaS suite as CX Cloud
Talkdesk refocuses it CCaaS suite on customer experience by adding 20 features, including virtual agents and remote work features for contact center agents.
Fri May 15, 2020
Gartner forecasts near 20% growth for public cloud services
Gartner's latest research predicts an uptick in cloud spending, spurred by demand for public cloud services and cloud-based communications; more channel news from the week.
Fri May 15, 2020
Kite intros code completion for JavaScript developers
Kite's AI-powered code completion technology helps make Python and JavaScript developers more productive with deep learning models that predict the next logical line of code in apps.
Fri May 15, 2020
Microsoft acquisition of Metaswitch aimed at carrier UCaaS
Microsoft's acquisition of Metaswitch will provide carriers with the option of offering Metaswitch UCaaS through Azure. Metaswitch complements the recent Affirmed acquisition.