IT News

IT News

Driving forward: strong financial growth sees Jabra continue to add new talent (Fri, 21 Feb 3040)
Jabra has announced another key appointment as Ismail Mitha joins the North EMEA Channel team to further enhance the breadth of the team and support key reseller accounts. Mitha will be field-based, but will report into Jabra’s UK HQ in Langley, Berkshire.
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Cloud Distribution signs with Securonix for next-gen SIEM & user behaviour analytics (UEBA) partner opportunity (Mon, 21 Feb 2220)
The “Cloud First” Next-generation value added distributor (VAD) Cloud Distribution, specialists in Cyber Security, Networking and Data Protection Solutions has partnered with Securonix to give resellers a new opportunity with the most visionary Next-Gen SIEM and UEBA platform, in a rapidly advancing space.
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Coming soon: SP1 RFID sled by DENSO (Sat, 21 Feb 7660)
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is delivering a boost in sales for retailers by an average of 1.5 to 5.5 percent, while increasing inventory accuracy by about 20 to 30 per cent, according to the study “Measuring the impact of RFID in Retailing: Key lessons from 10 case-study companies”, which was conducted by Adrian Beck, an emeritus professor at the University of Leicester.
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UHF DLR-PR001 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Portal Reader: The Scanning System of the future by Datalogic (Sun, 21 Feb 3700)
Datalogic, the automatic data capture and process automation solutions provider, has introduced the UHF DLR-PR001 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) portal reader, a product designed to complement and extend the capability of Datalogic RFID product family.
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Schneider Electric announces APC NetShelter racks and micro data centres achieve Cisco Certification (Mon, 21 Feb 7780)
Schneider Electric has announced that APC NetShelter SX with Shock Packaging has achieved Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) Pre-rack and Ship Certification, expanding certification from one standard size to covering the entire product line.
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Avast and Barracuda Networks enter into master reseller relationship (Sun, 21 Feb 3960)
Avast , the cybersecurity products provider, and Barracuda Networks, Inc., the provider of cloud-enabled security solutions, has announced an agreement under which Barracuda will become a master reseller of Avast Business CloudCare, Avast Management Console and Avast Antivirus Security solutions.
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Fujitsu chooses Cylance to extend AI-powered endpoint protection in its Americas security operations (Thu, 21 Feb 7360)
Cylance Inc., the provider of AI-driven, prevention-first security solutions, and Fujitsu America, Inc., the information and communication technology (ICT) company, have announced an alliance that will leverage the cyber threat intelligence capabilities of both companies to deliver a more robust, resilient protection and detection security services portfolio.
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Giacom partners with Storetec to launch a tailor-made Document Management solution – exclusive to the UK CSP reseller market (Sat, 20 Feb 6940)
Giacom has partnered with Storetec – the provider of scanning, storage and document management solutions – to bring a tailor-made cloud service to its reseller-only channel.
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Ergonomic Solutions increases its Northern and Eastern European footprint through new distribution agreement with Ingram Micro (Thu, 21 Feb 2019)
Ergonomic Solutions, the designer and supplier of technology mounting & mobility solutions at the Point of Sale, Point of Payment and Point of Service, has entered into a distribution agreement with Ingram Micro, to act as a distribution partner for Benelux, Nordics and Eastern Europe, including the Balkans and the Baltic states.
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Lenovo lifts revenues, profits in Q3, boosted by first profit at Motorola (Thu, 21 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Lenovo said revenues for its fiscal third quarter to end December reached their highest level in four quarters, boosted by a higher pre-tax profit at Mobile Business Group (MBG), its first time since the acquisition of Motorola, and a strong performance at all major business groups. Revenues for the group lifted 8 percent from the year before to USD 14.035 billion. The operating profit meanwhile leaped 112 percent to USD 434 million, while the pre-tax profit more than doubled to USD 350 million from 150 million and the net result strengthened to a gain of USD 233 million from a loss of 289 million. Diluted earnings per share went to 1.92 cents, from a loss of 2.53 cents.
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Orange sees small slowdown in EBITDA growth in 2019 on tough French, Spanish markets (Thu, 21 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Orange said it expects a small slowdown in EBITDA growth this year, from 2.7 percent comparable growth in 2018, due to tough competition in France and Spain. The company still expects to maintain its dividend at 70 cents per share, thanks to continued growth in operating cash flow and lower capital expenditure in 2019.
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Millicom acquires Telefonica's Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua units for USD 1.65 bln (Thu, 21 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Millicom has announced an agreement to acquire Telefonica's mobile telecommunications assets in Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua for a total of USD 1.65 billion in cash. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval in each market, and is expected to close in the second half of 2019.
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Telefonica service revenue growth improves, sees 2% organic growth in 2019 (Thu, 21 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Telefonica reported a small increase in organic results for 2018, saying it made progress on key objectives such as a growing share of high-value customers and lower debt. The Spanish operator said it expects a similar modest increase in organic results in 2019 and aims to maintain its dividend at 40 cents a share. 
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Deutsche Telekom raises dividend 8% as US fuels growth in Q4, 2018 (Thu, 21 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Deutsche Telekom announced an 8 percent increase in its annual dividend, after meeting its improved outlook for full-year results in 2018. The company said it expects further improvement in adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow in 2019. 
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Samsung reveals Galaxy Fold tablet (Thu, 21 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Samsung has unveiled in San Francisco its new foldable mobile device, designed as a tablet that can fold into a small smartphone. The Galaxy Fold features two screens and a total of six cameras. The 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display can be folded lengthwise into a compact smartphone with a 4.6-inch cover display. 
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Samsung unveils flagship S10 smartphone series and new wearables (Wed, 20 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Samsung has launched its new flagship smartphone series, the Galaxy S10, which will go on sale 08 March. The three new models include the S10e for EUR 749, the S10 from EUR 899 and the S10+ from EUR 999. In addition, the company presented new wearable devices, including the Galaxy Active smartwatch, the Galaxy Fit and Fit E fitness trackers and the Galaxy Buds wireless earbuds. 
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Vodafone first to connect 5G phones to live network in Madrid and Barcelona (Wed, 20 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Vodafone has announced the first successful connection of 5G-enabled smartphones to its live network during trials conducted in Madrid and Barcelona ahead of MWC 2019. The tests were run over a four-week period using three 5G smartphones that will be launched later this year, with the company able to make an ultra-high-resolution 4K video call on its network.
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Com Hem offers 3-month discount and double data for existing customers with mobile launch (Wed, 20 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Com Hem has formally begun offering mobile telephony, following a soft launch in January. The fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) follows Com Hem's merger with Tele2 Sweden. Introductory offers include unlimited calls, texts and data from SEK 99 per month for three months, and double data for existing Com Hem customers who sign up.
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Xiaomi unveils Mi 9 in China with fast wireless charging, triple 48MP camera (Wed, 20 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Xiaomi has unveiled in China its latest flagship smartphone, the Mi 9. The device runs Qualcomm's latest high-end processor, the Snapdragon 855, and upgrades the camera to three lenses and a 48MP sensor. Other new features include the 'Charge Turbo' fast wireless charging and a curved iridescent back shell that changes colour depending on the light. A global launch of the device is planned for 24 February at MWC in Barcelona.
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Vivo launches V15Pro smartphone with pop-up 32MP front camera (Wed, 20 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Vivo has unveiled its new V15Pro smartphone with a pop-up front camera. 
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LG unveils 3 premium mid-range smartphones ahead of MWC (Wed, 20 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) LG Electronics has unveiled ahead of MWC three new premium mid-range smartphones. The LG Q60, LG K50 and LG K40 boast premium features, advanced technologies and stylish design, all without breaking the bank, the company said. Each comes with a large display and AI-driven camera functions. 
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Qualcomm unveils second-generation 5G modem (Tue, 19 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Qualcomm has unveiled its second-generation 5G modem, a week before MWC. The Snapdragon X55 5G modem supports 5G NR mmWave and sub-6 GHz spectrum bands and can deliver speeds of up to 7 Gbps over 5G and 2.5 Gbps on Cat 22 LTE. It is expected to appear in the first commercial devices in late 2019.  
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LG, ZTE to launch 5G smartphones at MWC (Tue, 19 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) LG Electronics and ZTE are the latest handset makers to confirm they will introduce 5G smartphones at MWC in Barcelona next week. LG said its V series will focus on 5G going forward, with the V50 to be introduced at MWC as the first 5G device in its range. ZTE announced it will launch its next Axon flagship smartphone with 5G. 
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Canal Plus in talks with BeIN Sport over possible acquisition – report (Tue, 19 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Qatar-based pay-TV operator BeIN Sport is holding preliminary talks with French broadcaster Canal Plus over a possible sale, according to information gathered by the news team of Europe 1. No details have been disclosed yet on which of the group's holdings are under negotiation. Canal Plus is reportedly aiming to finalise a deal by summer.
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Telstra launches Telstra TV, no lock-in Home Broadband plans (Tue, 19 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Australian operator Telstra will launch its Telstra TV streaming player and new Home Broadband plans next week. The offer will be available with no lock-in contracts. Customers will be able to pay out their modem if they leave within 24 months. The third generation of Telstra TV includes an upgraded wireless remote control with voice search, plus buttons for TV power and volume control. 
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MTN denies bribery of former South African ambassador to Iran (Tue, 19 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) MTN Group has reiterated its denial of bribery allegations linked to securing its GSM licence in Iran in 2005, ITWeb reported. MTN says it has consistently denied there is any credible evidence that it promised any money to former South African ambassador to Iran, Yusuf Saloojee, or that Saloojee accepted money from MTN.
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Ericsson says ready for 5G roll-outs, blames Europe delays on spectrum, regulation (Mon, 18 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Ericsson said it is spectrum and regulation, and not access to equipment and technology that is putting the roll-out of 5G at risk in Europe. In a blog post, Ericsson CEO Borje Ekholm said his company has the resources ready to roll out 5G with market leaders, but European customers are facing high levels of uncertainty. 
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UK officials believe Huawei 5G security risks can be managed - report (Mon, 18 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has concluded that it is possible to limit the risks of using equipment from Chinese company Huawei in 5G mobile networks, reports the Financial Times citing two unnamed people familiar with the decision.
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Last week in telecoms: TIM, Kcom, NextGenTel up and earnings season gathers speed (Mon, 18 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Earnings season was well underway with 10 companies reporting:
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Last week in telecoms: TIM, Kcom, NextGenTel up and earnings season gathers pace (Mon, 18 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) The TP Stock Index European Telecoms was up 1.8 percent in week 7, but still trailed the general market, as the EuroStoxx 50 index won 3.4 percent. A number of micro caps made double digit gains (Forthnet 42%, NextGenTel 23%, 3U 15%), but the heavy-weights made limited advances (Deutsche Telekom +0.8%, Vodafone +1.8%). The most eye-catching news from last week was the rumour of Liberty Global (+2.1%), via Virgin Media UK, looking at a possible offer for Kcom (+5.8%). Tele Columbus (-11%) was the week's biggest loser. TIM (+8.8%) was up on news of CDP raising its stake.
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GSMA warns Europe against action on Chinese 5G suppliers (Sun, 17 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) The global mobile industry group GSMA has issued a warning to Europe to not take action blocking the use of certain mobile equipment for 5G networks. Without mentioning any specific vendors by name, the GSMA said any disruptions to equipment supply "will increase costs to European operators, businesses and citizens; delay 5G deployment by years across Europe and potentially also jeopardise existing 4G networks upon which 5G will be built". The statement follows reports that multiple European countries are considering action against Chinese vendors such as Huawei and ZTE.
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VTB to sell stake in Tele2 Russia to Rostelecom (Sun, 17 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Russian bank VTB plans to sell its stake in the mobile operator Tele2 Russia to the national operator Rostelecom, reports Comnews.ru. Andrey Kostin, the president of the bank, told journalists at the Sochi Investors Forum that a final decision on the issue will be taken within a month.
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Axiata agrees to sell M1 stake to Keppel for MYR 1.65 billion (Sun, 17 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Axiata has agreed to sell its stake in Singapore operator M1 in the buy-out offer from shareholder Keppel. At the terms offered by Keppel in January, Axiata will raise MYR 1.65 billion for its 28.7 percent stake in M1. Axiata said this gives it a gain of MYR 126.5 million on the shareholding. 
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Dutch govt studying transition for 210 MHz licenses (Fri, 15 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) The upcoming Dutch multiband auction will also redistribute the 2100 MHz band. At the request of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, PA Consulting assessed the possible impact of this on the current service provision. KPN, T-Mobile Netherlands and VodafoneZiggo use this band for a mix of 3G and 4G.
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NextGenTel agrees buy-out offer from 25% shareholder Kistefos (Fri, 15 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Norwegian operator NextGenTel has recommended a voluntary cash offer that Telecom Holding 3 intends to make of NOK 14.00 per share for all of NextGenTel's issued and outstanding stock, valuing it at just under NOK 326 million. The offer is a premium of 18.1 percent over the closing price on 14 February and 25.4 percent over the volume-weighted average price in the previous three months.  
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MTN announces deportation of Ugandan CEO (Fri, 15 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) MTN Group has announced that Wim Vanhelleputte, the CEO of MTN Uganda, has been deported from that country. MTN said that it has not been notified of the grounds for the deportation and is working to establish the precise reasons. The group expressed concerned about these developments and said it is engaging with the authorities to seek understanding and lead it to resolving this matter.
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MTN announces deportation of MTN Uganda CEO (Fri, 15 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) MTN Group has announced that Wim Vanhelleputte, the CEO of MTN Uganda, has been deported from that country. MTN said that it has not been notified of the grounds for the deportation and is working to establish the precise reasons. The group expressed concern about these developments and said it is engaging with the authorities to seek understanding and resolve the matter.
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Amazon pulls out of New York City HQ2 plans (Fri, 15 Feb 2019)
(Telecompaper) Amazon will not build its new headquarters (HQ2) in New York City after all. The company has withdrawn from its project in Long Island City, Queens, saying the idea was to build positive and collaborative relationships with state and local officials and get support over the long term. As this seems to not be the case, it will pursue the plans no longer. Amazon did say it will likely grow teams already present in the city. The company has over 5,000 employees in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island.
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SquareTrade to acquire leader in mobile device repairs to extend consumer protection offerings (Wed, 13 Feb 2019)
The Allstate Corporation has acquired iCracked, a provider of on-site, on-demand repair services for smartphones and tablets in North America. The privately held San Francisco-based company will join SquareTrade, an Allstate company that offers consumer protection plans and tech support.
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TIBCO and IHS Markit to deliver advanced analytics to the energy industry (Wed, 13 Feb 2019)
TIBCO Software Inc., provider of integration, API management and analytics solutions, has entered into an agreement with IHS Markit, provider of critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide.
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Hackers wipe US servers of email provider VFEmail (Tue, 12 Feb 2019)
Hackers did not ask for a ransom. VFEmail described the incident as "attack and destroy."
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Formula 1: How faster access to data is giving this team the edge (Tue, 12 Feb 2019)
Storage automation and big data helps Mercedes F1 make better decisions, faster.
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Micropatch released for Adobe Reader zero-day vulnerability (Tue, 12 Feb 2019)
The 0patch fix temporarily patches a data-stealing exploit in Adobe Reader.
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Google refreshes right-click menu options in Gmail (Tue, 12 Feb 2019)
The right-click menu will soon be far more useful in managing your inbox.
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Senate committee asks R&D tax incentive Bill be refined before it's passed (Tue, 12 Feb 2019)
Making one recommendation, the Senate committee has asked to examine and analyse the potential impacts of the research and development tax incentive before making any further considerations for the Bill.
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Megaport says APAC has turned corner as overall revenue and net loss grows (Tue, 12 Feb 2019)
Revenue is growing 72 percent year on year, as net loss slips by almost a quarter.
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Cyberattacks can cost APAC healthcare firms $23.3M (Tue, 12 Feb 2019)
Healthcare organisations in Asia-Pacific can incur economic losses of up to US$23.3 million from cybersecurity incidents, though, 45 percent have either experienced or are not even sure if they have experienced a cyberattack.
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IP Australia's Alex is more than just a chatbot (Tue, 12 Feb 2019)
The patent office is investing heavily into cognitive computing, with its chatbot providing much more to the business than only being a first point of contact for consumers.
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Trump signs executive order prioritising AI development (Tue, 12 Feb 2019)
The order aims to protect United States-made artificial intelligence, as well as provide regulation on the nation's security, privacy, and values when related to AI.
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