Computing articles from August 2007

Computing archives from August 2007

Lack of skills overwhelms e-crime police.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Tom Young Lack of skills overwhelms e-crime police Tom Young speaks to a victim of e-crime, whose story underlines the problems faced by the police z The experiences of a chief executive at one small business...

Outside help.(small and medium sized companies opts for outsourcing)
August 2, 2007... Byline: Mark Kobayashi-Hillary Outside help Mark Kobayashi-Hillary looks at the difficulties and advantages faced by small to medium-sized businesses thinking of outsourcing, and the expertise they require from an external service...

SME outsourcing growth.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Mark Kobayashi-Hillary SME outsourcing growth z Research group Evalueserve recently analysed the potential for outsourcing to offshore partners on a small scale. The process is referred to as person-to-person offshoring...

The small business market.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Mark Kobayashi-Hillary The small business market z There were an estimated 4.3 million private sector enterprises in the UK at the start of 2005 and almost all (99.3 per cent) were small businesses (up to 49 employees). z...

Last chance to enter Computing Awards.(the Oscars of the IT industry)(information technology services industry's award function)(Event overview)
August 2, 2007... Last chance to enter Computing Awards The final deadline for the Oscars of the IT industry is only days away z D-day -- deadline day -- for this year's Computing Awards for Excellence is finally upon us. Gaining a Computing award...

Capita rewards investors after sales increase.(Financial report)(Brief article)
August 2, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Capita rewards investors after sales increase Major new contracts provide a cash boost to outsourcing firm's profits, reports Dave Friedlos z UK outsourcing firm Capita is returning more than [pounds...

financial world.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos financial world BT z BT's first-quarter group profits were up three per cent to [pounds sterling]5bn. The IT services arm also grew five per cent, recording sales of [pounds sterling]2.3bn. Contract orders...

Teen spirit embodies the web.(information technology workers must provide strong servi e to control wrong viewing of internet )
August 2, 2007... Byline: Mark Samuels Teen spirit embodies the web Like all teenagers, the internet can be difficult to control, especially for IT managers, writes Mark Samuels z As 16th birthday parties go, it's likely to be pretty quiet: no...

Businesses must crack down on piracy.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Tom Young Businesses must crack down on piracy The sophistication of software fakes requires firms to be more aware, reports Tom Young z The arrest of 25 members of a software counterfeiting syndicate in China last week is...

The much smarter way to appreciate IT.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Bryan Glick The much smarter way to appreciate IT IT for IT's sake has little appeal, but using technology to improve our lives at home and at work is a different matter, says Bryan Glick z There was a certain...

Rail network to standardise IT.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Rail network to standardise IT Government scheme to improve UK railway infrastucture will rely on co-operation and investment Dave Friedlos z Upgraded, standardised technology will play a crucial role in...

Advantage programme.(KnowledgeStorm Inc. introduce online library for business in partnership with Computing)(Brief article)
August 2, 2007... Advantage programme Get your free access to the best B2B technology library z Time for you to stop searching, and start finding -- securing business advantage starts right here. KnowledgeStorm.co.uk, in partnership with Computing,...

Patients book GPs on digital TV.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Lisa Kelly Patients book GPs on digital TV Portal aims to bridge the digital divide Lisa Kelly z Patients at more than 1,000 GP surgeries across the country can now book doctors' appointments using digital interactive...

Varney assigned to public service transformation advisory role.(Sir David Varney of United Kingdom. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs selected for prime minister's adviser on public service transformation. )(Brief article)
August 2, 2007... Byline: Sarah Arnott Varney assigned to public service transformation advisory role Sarah Arnott z Former HM Revenue and Customs chairman Sir David Varney has been appointed as the prime minister's adviser on public service...

Wireless market rules relaxed to promote growth.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Neon Kelly Wireless market rules relaxed to promote growth Neon Kelly z The European Commission is opening up the wireless technology market by discarding out-dated rules limiting the areas of available radio spectrum. ...

online.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Neon Kelly online European Commission accuses Intel of abuse z The European Commission is issuing formal charges against Intel, alleging abuse of its dominant position against rival AMD. If found guilty, Intel could...

Calculator to add up best green purchases.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Lisa Kelly Calculator to add up best green purchases Lisa Kelly z UK businesses wanting to buy green IT equipment and reduce the environmental impact of their technology can now use a system created in the US and adapted...

backbytes.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Tim Phillips backbytes Tinseltown technology z Our request for Hollywood computer ridiculousness prompted a hearty response that should easily last us through the summer. 'I'd like to suggest starting with every...

Bank to count on e-invoicing.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Tom Young Bank to count on e-invoicing Automatic payments will improve efficiency and speed up cash flow Tom Young z The first commercially-available electronic invoicing network is being rolled out across the UK by...

Eden ticketing system upgraded.(mobile ticketing system)(Brief article)
August 2, 2007... Byline: Lisa Kelly Eden ticketing system upgraded Lisa Kelly z Cornwall tourist attraction the Eden Project has upgraded its mobile ticketing system after an earlier phase of the project ended up creating more work for box office...

online.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Neon Kelly online Online retail sales reach highest peak z Online sales have soared to their highest sustained levels in four years, up 55 per cent from 2006, and in sharp contrast to the recent fall in high-street sales....

Finance firms to miss compliance deadline.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Tom Young Finance firms to miss compliance deadline Survey reveals confusion over directive for pan-European investment market Tom Young z Almost half of UK financial services companies are not on track to comply with...

IT undergraduates have UK's highest dropout rate.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Lara Williams IT undergraduates have UK's highest dropout rate Lara Williams z Mathematics and computer sciences have the highest university dropout rate in the UK, with one in 10 undergraduates not continuing...

Rail system will be obsolete.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Rail system will be obsolete Delayed GSM-R project already outstripped by consumer technology Dave Friedlos z Network Rail's much-delayed [pounds sterling]1.2bn driver communications system will be...

IT has the ability to stay in credit.
August 2, 2007... Byline: Sarah Arnott IT has the ability to stay in credit z It seems like a big leap from US sub-prime mortgages to the IT sector. But the continued growth of the technology industry is fuelled at least in part by surging...

DonA't recycle your computer A- reuse it instead.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Tony Roberts BCS & Computer Aid DonA-t recycle your computer a reuse it instead Sending refurbished PCs to developing countries is a great way to help the environment, says Tony Roberts z On 1 July, new WEEE regulations...

A change for the better.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Cath Everett A change for the better Cath Everett looks at one bankA-s reasons for introducing a staff performance management system Allied Irish Bank (AIB) is introducing a hosted performance management system to ensure...

A quantum leap of faith.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Alan Woodward A quantum leap of faith Finding a secure technology system is never an easy task, but Alan Woodward says a solution may soon be available Finding technology systems to beat the hackers can be a challenging...

Lorenzo software vital to iSoftA's future.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Lorenzo software vital to iSoftA-s future Healthcare supplier relies on NHS developments for future revenue growth, reports Dave Friedlos z Troubled healthcare supplier iSoft says delivery of the...

Mashups are beginning to take off.(Web 2.0 social-networking technologies)(London Olympic committee )
August 9, 2007... Byline: Tom Young Mashups are beginning to take off Next-generation web technologies have created a new way to combine data, reports Tom Young Businesses of all kinds are trying to work out how they can make the most of...

Find yourself with a mind map.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Jon Collins Find yourself with a mind map Mind-mapping products can provide an excellent way to plan a busy modern life and business, says Jon Collins z IA-m probably showing my age here by recalling the classic Rowan...

Armed forces recruit NHS IT systems to boost care in the field.(National Health Service)
August 9, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Armed forces recruit NHS IT systems to boost care in the field Service personnelA-s medical records will be linked to the [pounds sterling]12bn National Programme infrastructure, reports Dave Friedlos...

IT agenda swims in Cabinet mainstream.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Sarah Arnott IT agenda swims in Cabinet mainstream The silent demise of a high-level IT-focused sub-committee may be offset by larger and more subtle changes, writes Sarah Arnott z How interesting are Cabinet...

Scrapped framework contract costs firms.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Sarah Arnott Scrapped framework contract costs firms Government axes IT catalogue for the second time in as many years Sarah Arnott The government has scrapped the procurement of a framework contract designed to...

IBM server project to cut carbon.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Tom Young IBM server project to cut carbon Tom Young IBMA-s environmentally-friendly plan to cut data centre power consumption will help set an example for other firms, say experts. The company says that as part of...

Games embraces the new web.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Neon Kelly Games embraces the new web Media sharing technology could help turn a problem into an opportunity, says London committee Neon Kelly The organisers of the 2012 Olympics want to use Web 2.0 technologies to...

Rugby Union tries business intelligence system.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Rugby Union tries business intelligence system Dave Friedlos The England Rugby Football Union (RFU) will be able to measure the performance of all members, on and off the field, when it kicks off the rollout...

backbytes.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Tim Phillips backbytes Received and understood? Not every message you see on your computer is strictly necessary. Such as, for example, the one Chris Rayers at Atos Origin received as an email return receipt. ...

Border control plan costs rise.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Sarah Arnott Border control plan costs rise Electronic security scheme cost estimates soar in past two years Sarah Arnott Official cost estimates for the governmentA-s plan for electronic border systems have gone...

Retailers rethink IT director role.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Retailers rethink IT director role Dave Friedlos High street giants Boots and House of Fraser are phasing out the IT director role following major infrastructure overhauls. Experts say the financial...

European IT M&A downturn evidence of maturing market.(mergers and acquisitions)(information technology)(Brief article)
August 9, 2007... Byline: Tom Young European IT M&A downturn evidence of maturing market Tom Young A slowdown in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the European technology sector is further evidence of its emergence as a mature market, say...

Smart meter scheme consultation begins.(Brief article)
August 9, 2007... Byline: Neon Kelly Smart meter scheme consultation begins Neon Kelly The official consultation on the rollout of smart metering technology for domestic electricity and gas supply started last week. Smart meters display...

ID cards marked for fast rollout.(Identification cards)
August 9, 2007... Byline: Sarah Arnott ID cards marked for fast rollout Treasury report will call for rapid take-up by citizens, say sources Sarah Arnott Identity cards should be rolled out to citizens as quickly as possible, an...

Moment of truth for government IT.
August 9, 2007... Byline: Sarah Arnott Moment of truth for government IT With the exception of the occasional thunderclap from the NHS National Programme, the past couple of years may have been the calm before the storm for government technology. ...

Threat of theft is.(Report)
August 23, 2007... Byline: Lisa Kelly Threat of theft is wiped out Manufacturers and retailers are getting on board with a way to track and protect surfing goods. Lisa Kelly reports The day his surfboard was stolen turned out to be a pretty...

Top priorities for Surfboard Tracker.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Lisa Kelly Top priorities for Surfboard Tracker Ensuring data protection legislation is adhered to in each country z Chief executive Andrew Smith has outsourced the job to a lawyer. Security and firewalls z Smith...

Web site implementation.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Lisa Kelly Web site implementation z After formulating the business proposition for Surfboard Tracker, Andrew Smith looked for a web development tool to help build the site. He chose Moonfruit's web development tool...

The Pros of improving IT skills.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Karen Price The Pros of improving IT skills New Procom qualifications offer IT professionals the chance to prove their abilities, says Karen Price z The UK needs IT professionals who can add clear value to organisations,...

Will ID cards project learn from past disasters?
August 23, 2007... Byline: Sarah Arnott Will ID cards project learn from past disasters? Procurement for IT infrastructure finally gets under way SARAH ARNOTT z The start of the procurement for the [pounds sterling]2bn national identity card...

Treasury pulls in different direction over ID card technology timetable.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Sarah Arnott Treasury pulls in different direction over ID card technology timetable z Different parts of Whitehall have opposing views on the role of technology in establishing the identity card scheme, according to...

Pragmatism plays a vital role in ITIL implementation.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Andrew Richardson Pragmatism plays a vital role in ITIL implementation Adopting a best practice methodology can save organisations a considerable sum, says Andy Richardson z UK organisations are facing a major IT challenge....

HCL outperforms rival Indian outsourcers.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos HCL outperforms rival Indian outsourcers Firms sees annual sales increase by 10 per cent more than the industry average, reports Dave Friedlos z Indian IT outsourcing firm HCL Technologies has increased annual...

financial world.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos A financial world VMWare z VMWare, which provides software allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single virtual machine, was valued at $11bn ([pounds sterling]5.5bn) when it was floated on the New...

Whose internet is it anyway?(Report)
August 23, 2007... Byline: Tom Young Whose internet is it anyway? Tom Young reports on the role of business in users' online security z Calls for business and law enforcement to take responsibility for individuals' internet security are being met...

Boots cures online Christmas rush issue.(Brief article)
August 23, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Boots cures online Christmas rush issue Dave Friedlos z Boots is outsourcing a portion of its web site to make sure it can handle the Christmas rush, amid predictions of massive growth in online retailing....

Faster payment scheme slows down.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Tom Young Faster payment scheme slows down Tom Young z The [pounds sterling]300m technology programme to cut banks' three-day clearing periods is running six months behind schedule. The faster payments scheme will now...

The smart choice for digital tickets.(Brief article)
August 23, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos The smart choice for digital tickets Dave Friedlos z Smartcards able to hold multiple data stores and communicate automatically using radio waves are finding uses in areas as diverse as sport event tickets...

Case Study.(smart cards )(Case study)
August 23, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Case Study Go-Ahead z Digital smartcards to replace traditional paper tickets are a major growth area on UK railways. Nationwide transport group Go-Ahead won the West Midlands franchise in June on the...

Case Study.(Case study)
August 23, 2007... Byline: Neon Kelly Case Study Harlequins Rugby Club NEon Kelly z Harlequins Rugby Club's investment in integrated ticket sales and customer relationship management technology could pave the way for intelligent ticketing for...

Co-op shoppers in line for smart shelf labels.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos Co-op shoppers in line for smart shelf labels Phones and key fobs may be used to access extensive product data Dave Friedlos z Shoppers could control the flow of information available on supermarket shelf...

Mobile banking payments in place by year end.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Tom Young Mobile banking payments in place by year end Tom Young z Alliance & Leicester (A&L) is to offer customers the ability to perform bank transfers and payments on mobile phones by the end of the year. A&L...

TfL to make tracks with online shop.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Dave Friedlos TfL to make tracks with online shop Dave Friedlos z Transport for London (TfL) is to compete in the online retail sector with the planned purchase of a new e-commerce and content management system. The...

Decline in IT students threatens UK success.(Brief article)
August 23, 2007... Byline: Lara Williams Decline in IT students threatens UK success Lara Williams z Dwindling numbers of A-level students taking IT-related exams may pose a serious threat to the UK's future competitiveness, experts have...

A-level debate still a prickly subject.(Brief article)
August 23, 2007... Byline: Computing z Does it matter that the number of pupils studying IT-related A-levels has fallen again this year? That is the (12x5)+4 million-dollar question. How many of us are in a job that bears any relation to our exam...

New scrutiny on data laws.
August 23, 2007... Byline: Tom Young New scrutiny on data laws Cross-government calls for the review of data protection procedures Tom Young z The UK's information security laws have come under debate across government as the issue of data...