Author: Nick Farrell

Swetrix mixes up cookie-less Google analytics alternative

Posted on November 28, 2023 by - News

Scottish start-up Swetrix today announced the launch of its new “cookie-less” alternative to Google Analytics.

Swetrix is focused on visitor privacy, which is increasingly relevant today as invasive user monitoring continues to be problematic—and is illegal in some EU countries.

Swetrix touts itself as an analytics solution compliant with privacy regulations, including GDPR in the EU zone. The company said it allows users to be compliant with HIPAA for healthcare data, PCI DSS for payment card data and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

North Koreans are attacking software supply chains

Posted on November 28, 2023 by - News

According to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), North Korea is using sophisticated techniques to target global organisations through software supply chain attacks.

In a joint advisory, the NCSC detailed the tactics DPRK state-linked cyber actors used, emphasising the growing threat and complexity of such attacks.

Supply chain attacks, a method where malicious actors compromise elements of the software distribution process, have become a favoured tool for DPRK cyber actors. These attacks, often involving zero-day vulnerabilities and exploits in third-party software, allow the actors to access specific targets or indiscriminate organisations through their supply chains.

The NCSC said these attacks are aligned with broader DPRK-state priorities, including revenue generation, espionage and the theft of advanced technologies.

The advisory comes on the heels of a new Strategic Cyber Partnership announced between the UK and the Republic of Korea, underscoring their commitment to collaboratively addressing common cyber threats.

Microsoft bans cloud resellers from government framework

Posted on November 27, 2023 by - News

Microsoft, software king of the world, has banned third-party IT suppliers from reselling its cloud services through the government’s soon-to-be launched Cloud Compute 2 procurement framework.

The government’s procurement arm, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), told suppliers they hoped to get a spot on the four Lot framework, valued at £1.35 billion.

Microsoft is one of 12 cloud providers to have secured a spot on the framework’s first Lot, geared towards public sector IT buyers who want to buy cloud services directly from the hyperscalers.

The framework’s second Lot is for public sector IT buyers that want to procure the providers’ services in Lot One indirectly through a third-party reseller or managed service provider. There are 39 suppliers on that Lot.

Wasabi grew at double the market rate

Posted on November 27, 2023 by - News

Expanding its channel network did the cloudy outfit Wasabi Technologies some good – it managed to grow at double the market growth rate in 2023.

Wasabi had partner deals in Europe and new platform capabilities aimed at partners.

The company said its main issue is “guilt by association” due to hyperscalers being scrutinised in Europe for lock-in and egress fees.

Wasabi EMEA VP and GM John Howes said that while this issue did not directly affect the company, it highlights its value proposition.

Broadcom concludes VMware deal

Posted on November 24, 2023 by - News

After securing regulatory approval in China, Broadcom has finally concluded its $69 billion acquisition of cloud-computing company VMware.

The massive deal was announced in May 2022 and is part of CEO Hock Tan’s cunning plan to enhance Broadcom’s software business.

It was not plain sailing as the acquisition encountered significant regulatory hurdles worldwide, leading to three postponements of the closing date. The last was China’s regulatory green light, which has been signed off despite the controversy over US-China chip restrictions.

The European Commission approved after Broadcom proposed remedies to address issues related to rival Marvell Technology. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority approved following a thorough investigation.

Cloud Industry Forum teams up with AnalystX

Posted on November 24, 2023 by - News

The Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) has partnered strategically with the secure health collaboration platform AnalystX – a key community within NHS England’s FutureNHS (FNHS).

The AnalystX workspace was created on 17 March 2020, just before the lockdown, to connect health & care professionals with data sources, analytics, and expertise to work together in virtual teams. It has become a place for collaboration and a thriving community for data-driven decision-making beyond typical organisational and geographic boundaries, connecting and empowering the data and analytics community.

As part of the partnership, Cloud Industry Forum will connect its members to this ecosystem to support the analytical community on products, techniques, knowledge, and frameworks. This will help learn and align the skills required to do more with less.

Capita scores 10 year pension contract

Posted on November 23, 2023 by - News

KR9984 Milan, Italy – August 10, 2017: Capita
logo on the website homepage.

Despite a security breach in March which exposed pension data Capita has secured a £239 million 10-year managing the Civil Service Pension Scheme (CSPS).

The contract, effective from September 2025, involves modernising pension administration systems through “enhanced system design and digital innovation,” according to Capita.

The company also plans to integrate generative AI to offer personalised and engaging digital channels for pension holders as they prepare for retirement.

Capita said it will enhance the overall customer experience, providing intuitive interactions for  clients and pension members while supporting a data-driven approach for scheme employers.

In addition to overseeing the CSPS, Capita will manage pensions payroll admin services related to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme and the Civil Service Injury Benefit Scheme, along with associated finance and accounting services.

HP promises AI PCs next year

Posted on November 23, 2023 by - News

Maker of expensive printer ink, HP CEO Enrique Lores said the company’s first AI PCs will arrive in the second half of 2024.

Lores claimed that the new PCs will be a “catalyst for market expansion” and deliver “stronger AI capabilities” than upcoming computers.

HP said that PCs will lead to growth in the market, but it will take “some time” for customers to adopt computers with AI acceleration.

Intel CEO Pat [kicking] Gelsinger has said that the chipmaker’s forthcoming Core Ultra processors, code-named Meteor Lake, will “usher in the age of the AI PC” due to their AI acceleration capabilities.

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Zoom sees a five per cent revenue increase.

Posted on November 22, 2023 by - News

Video chat firm  Zoom has reported a five per cent year-on-year revenue increase in its third quarter.

The increase was due to a 20 per cent spike in enterprise revenue and the vendor claims it came from an increase in its big-ticket clients.

The number of customers contributing more than $100,000 in the preceding 12 months increased by a third.

With approximately 209,300 enterprise customers, a 14 per cent year-on-year increase, and a trailing 12-month net dollar expansion rate of 117 per cent, Zoom continues to fortify its market position.

Kiteworks merges with Maytech.

Posted on November 22, 2023 by - News

Kiteworks, which delivers data privacy and compliance for sensitive content communications through its Private Content Network, has merged with data file transfer outfit Maytech.

The move solidifies Kiteworks’ leadership in the UK market while extending additional sensitive content communication offerings in the Kiteworks platform to Maytech by combining both organisations’ technological strengths and customer reach.

The companies claim the move fosters innovation by combining technological expertise and shared resources. It also strengthens Kiteworks’ commitment to the managed file transfer (MFT) market, a core offering in the Maytech technology portfolio.

Netcall’s CEO steps down in leadership change

Posted on November 21, 2023 by - News

Netcall CEO Henrik Bang is stepping down to become non-executive chair of the board as part of the AI and customer software provider’s leadership changes.

Bang led Netcall as it transformed from a niche company to a cloud business with a digital platform.

The board said that while appointing the CEO as chair deviates from its governance guidelines, Bang’s deep knowledge makes him ideal for the role.

Under the rest of the management shake-up, Richard Hughes is joining Netcall as CFO on 27 November 2023, and Nigel Halkes will join the company as non-executive director on 1 December 2023.

Microsoft poaches key Open AI staff.

Posted on November 21, 2023 by - News

Software King of the World Microsoft has swept in to poach key OpenAI staff in the wake of the firing of Sam Altman.

For those not in the know, the Board fired Altman for needing to be consistently candid in his communications with the board and hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities.

The job was passed to chief technology officer Mira Murati, at least for now.

However, Microsoft was furious, having invested $13 billion in the company and needing it for its bold new AI plans.  Microsoft’s response was to hire Altman and any staff who wanted to come with him to form a new AI research division.

More Welsh expansion for Flotek

Posted on November 20, 2023 by - News

Welsh MSP Flotek has successfully acquired Ikona IT Solutions, a Cardiff-based IT and telecoms support company.

Flotek has been buying like crazy over the last 18 months — this deal is its ninth acquisition.

Previous acquisitions include Gower Business Systems, Cloud9ine, Liberty Solutions (Swansea) Limited, Saecom in South Wales, and England-based businesses Mazing Tree, FlexiNet, ECS Solutions, and Toolk-IT.

The strategic move adds another Cardiff business to Flotek’s portfolio, aligning with their plans for accelerated growth in the capital.

IoT numbers on the up.

Posted on November 20, 2023 by - News

Number crunchers at Juniper Research have predicted that there will be more than 490 million low-power IoT roaming connections by 2028, growing from 90 million in 2023.

Low-power networks, such as NB-IoT (Narrowband-IoT) and LTE-M (Long-term Evolution for Machines), connect devices and sensors over cellular networks to remotely monitor environments in industries including smart cities, agriculture and manufacturing.

Over the next five years, this substantial 560 per cent growth will be driven by increased bilateral roaming agreements that cater specifically to these low-power devices.

The report warns that operators still need to prepare to capitalise on this market shift and the significant roaming revenue that is arising.

Check Point inks global deal with Westcon-Comstor

Posted on November 17, 2023 by - News

Israeli security outfit Check Point is increasing its support for MSSPs by signing a global deal with Westcon-Comstor.

The security vendor enhanced its MSSP Partner Programme with simplified onboarding, access to pay-as-you-go finance models, and increased training and support.

Check Point head of global SMB sales Shahar Divon said that MSSPs have a big opportunity to capitalise on the demand for their services, but they face challenges in a rapidly changing world.

“At the operational level, these teams spend too much time handling hundreds of alerts daily, tying up resources that could be better spent on more urgent requests,” he added. “That is where our MSSP Partner Programme can deliver real value, not only for those that have security as a practice, but also MSPs that are looking for ways to protect their customers.”