IT for government and public sector

Digital economy to contribute 7% of Australia’s GDP

Besides improving living standards, digital technologies could also lead to a resurgence of manufacturing in Australia Continue Reading

By

• Beverley Head

Whoever wins election 2017, it's time for a digital minister with real authority

You would expect, of course, that a publication such as Computer Weekly would call on whoever wins the 2017 general election to put the digital economy on its list of immediate priorities. While ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

IR35 reforms: HMRC denies claims that online tax status assessment tool returns unreliable results

HM Revenue & Customs hits back at research that suggests its IR35 online assessment tool is hindering public sector organisations in determining the tax status of off-payroll staff Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Hundreds of sub-postmasters have applied to join IT-related legal action since March

The number of sub-postmasters who claim to have suffered as a result of a faulty Post Office IT system has reached 1,300 Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

IR35 reforms: NHS revises stance on contractor tax status assessments

National Health Service’s U-turn over IR35 assessments could prompt other public sector bodies to follow suit, say experts Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Singapore to pave the way for tech startup IPOs

The agreement between the Singapore government and the local bourse will lower barriers to capital markets and make the city-state a more attractive destination for startup fundraising Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Swedish government agencies join IT spending benchmarking service

Government agencies in Sweden are using a tool by Apptio to help them gain a better understanding of IT costs Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

CW Nordics: The trouble with connected things

In this issue, Finnish cyber security expert Mikko Hyppönen talks about security in the Nordics, Russia and the trouble with connected devices. Also read how Icelandic airline Wow Air averted disaster through the use of application performance monitoring software when it embarked on a major expansion. And find out how, since December 2015, anyone playing popular sandbox game Minecraft has been able to build their worlds on the actual map of Sweden. Continue Reading

SAP aligns with Saudi Arabia’s IT transformation agenda

Global software giant SAP sees an opportunity for its wide portfolio in Saudi Arabia as the Middle Eastern country transforms Continue Reading

By

• Edward Banda

Singapore government to spend S$2.4bn on technology initiatives

Funding will go towards building a national sensor platform, boosting the government’s cyber security capabilities and driving the use of robots Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Audit Scotland shares lessons learned from failed IT projects

In a ‘lessons learned’ report, Scottish auditor sets out five principles that should be considered when managing government IT programmes Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Conservative Party manifesto promises to ‘face up to fast-changing technology’

Tories aim to create a digital charter, continuing a “digital by default” government and a dynamic digital economy Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Organised crime exploiting new technology

European law enforcement is to focus on collaborating with industry around cyber crime as organised crime groups increasingly exploit new technologies, according to a regional crime threat report Continue Reading

By

• Peter Ray Allison

Political turmoil threatens global IT services sector

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine the threats to the global IT services sector caused by US president Donald Trump’s protectionist rhetoric, and by the UK’s planned departure from the EU. Home Office IT chief Sarah Wilkinson discusses the challenges of digital transformation in a large government department. And we find out how business leaders need to improve their digital skills. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Nordic region competes for datacentre dominance

The Nordic region is an attractive region for datacentres as demand for cloud services in the area grows Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

Durham Police to use artificial intelligence to help decide if suspects should be held in custody

Durham Police are to use artificial intelligence to help them decide whether or not to keep suspects in custody Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Highly skilled professionals at risk of being replaced by computers

Highly skilled jobs will be replaced by artificial intelligence by 2022, says Gartner Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Large UK businesses increasingly want CEOs to have IT background

More large businesses in the UK want a CEO that has a good understanding of IT Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Ex-government privacy advisor calls for 'fundamental review' of Gov.uk Verify identity scheme

Former Cabinet Office privacy group co-chair says the Verify identity assurance programme needs 'honest and fundamental reset' Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Gov.uk Verify and identity assurance - it's time for a rethink

The government's Verify identity platform is not meeting user needs - it's time to step back and review how best to make online identity for public services work Continue Reading

By

• Jerry Fishenden

NHS Digital picks up pace on paperless healthcare

NHS Digital’s director of digital transformation, Beverley Bryant, says the organisation needs to demonstrate pace and agility and highlights plans for improving interoperability, standards and collaboration with suppliers Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Metropolitan Police to hit massive IT overspend

The Metropolitan Police Service is set to massively overspend on IT as it attempts to improve digital policing Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Mayor of London seeks chief digital officer

Capital’s first-ever chief digital officer will oversee the digital transformation of public services across London Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government privacy advisor quits and slams Cabinet Office for lack of support

Co-chair of Privacy and Consumer Advisory Group resigns and criticises officials for ignoring its advice and attempting to smuggle “inadequate proposals past ministers” Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

IT outsourcing going strong in the Nordics

IT outsourcing is popular among companies in the Nordic region, but the market is changing Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

Can DWP meet its revised 2022 target for completion of Universal Credit?

In the run-up to the last UK general election in 2015, the Labour Party’s then shadow employment minister Stephen Timms pointed out that the target completion date for the Universal Credit welfare ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Huddle needs $5m equity injection or to find a buyer, as investment declaration deadline looms

Companies House documents reveal Huddle needs to raise $5m or more by the end of April or find a buyer to meet its financial obligations for the next 12 months Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Motorola brings big data digital evidence service to UK police forces

Motorola is launching a digital evidence management service to UK police forces, backed off into AWS cloud infrastructure Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Cyber security centre of excellence to open at Cardiff University

Cardiff University and Airbus have launched the first centre of its kind in Europe to tackle cyber attacks on critical infrastructure Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Criminal Courts Review Commission appoints forensic accountants for Post Office IT system cases

Investigation into claims of miscarriages of justice in relation to a Post Office accounting system has appointed a forensic accountant firm Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Public safety ‘imperilled’ by lack of functional and interoperable police IT, says report

Use of technology in the country’s police forces remains poor, according to chief inspector of constabulary Thomas Winsor, who is calling for a decision-making mechanism procuring, establishing and running police IT Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Don't expect much that's new from political parties' digital manifestos in General Election

Like it or not, necessary or not, we have another General Election, and while nobody will decide their vote based on a party’s digital policies, the imminent poll will raise important questions ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

PAC concerned Emergency Services Network will be undeliverable

The new Emergency Services Network could be delayed until September 2020, which could lead to the country being without the service for six months as a post-March 2020 extension of the current contract may not be possible Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How to ensure tech staff gain ‘essential soft skills’

Nottingham Trent University’s infrastructure services manager explains how she has made sure her technology team have the essential soft skills they need to support users Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Human interaction still key to cyber attacks, study reveals

An analysis of threats faced by organisations in the first quarter of 2017 reveals that cyber attackers still rely heavily on user interaction Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

How Dutch university quickly connected thousands of students to new learning management system

Dutch university TU Delft is replacing its legacy learning management system after 17 years Continue Reading

By

• Rian van Heur

Kone brings elevator maintenance online with IBM Watson and Salesforce

Lift manufacturer is using sensors and artificial intelligence to support its maintenance staff Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

CW Middle East: UAE faces IT recruitment challenge

In this issue, read how organisations in the UAE face a challenge to attract and retain top-quality CIOs and other key IT staff as the region seeks to tackle a technology skills gap. Also, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has revealed that plans to unveil passenger-flying cars are in the final stages, with the initiative expected to launch in July 2017. Meanwhile, the UAE is mirroring global trends by eagerly adopting virtual reality technology. Continue Reading

‘Can do’ attitude of DevOps teams is driving cloud-first strategies

The cloud-first strategies of businesses across sectors are maturing, with DevOps teams playing a leading role Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Virtual reality in healthcare

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how virtual reality technology is starting to be used to improve health and patient care. We examine the new UK tax laws that are causing IT contractors to quit government digital projects. And we analyse the software licensing issues arising from SAP’s recent court case over indirect access to its applications. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

IR35 reforms: HMRC 'delays' blamed for last-minute public sector compliance panic

 Continue Reading

Home Office U-turn over IR35 contractor classifications prompts IT project delay fears

IT project delays predicted at Home Office, following reports of last-minute departmental U-turn over contractors' IR35 status classifications Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

GDS changes start from the top

Last week’s highly critical National Audit Office (NAO) report highlighted the need for change at the Government Digital Service (GDS). The NAO “found widespread views across government that GDS ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Interview: Dave Perry, chief technology officer, DVLA

DVLA’s CTO talks about the agency’s plans to become a hub for digital motoring, the importance of culture, and moving away from legacy IT Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

IR35 reforms: Stakeholders warn of risk to public sector IT projects as contractors walk

With the IR35 reforms coming into force today, 6 April, contracting stakeholders warn of the widespread threat the changes pose to the delivery of public sector IT projects Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Telenor launches IoT pilot in Norway

Telenor is opening up its IoT infrastructure in Norway to encourage students and entrepreneurs to develop IoT products and services Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Interview: F-Secure’s Mikko Hyppönen on the Nordics, Russia and the internet of insecure things

Computer Weekly sat down with Finnish cyber security expert Mikko Hyppönen to talk about security in the Nordics, Russia and the trouble with connected devices Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

NHS Digital plans September go-live for citizen identity service

Health and social care patients will have a single online identity verification log-in to use across health and care by autumn 2017 Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How to implement a low-power WAN to support the IoT

We explore the options and the implementation process for an LPWAN to support internet of things projects in the enterprise Continue Reading

By

• Rene Millman

Northern Ireland schools to continue with Capita IT services

Two-year, £60m contract extension covers ICT services for 1,100 schools Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Chinese hacking group targeted firms through IT MSPs

Security researchers have uncovered a China-based cyber espionage campaign that targeted IT services firms and their customers, underlining the need for supply chain security Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

IR35 reforms: HMRC 'delays' blamed for last-minute public sector compliance panic

Public sector stakeholders claim the late release of HMRC's online tax status assessment tool and its supporting IR35 legislation is causing contractors to leave projects in their droves Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

UK tech braced for Brexit

In this week’s Computer Weekly, as the UK government invokes Article 50 to leave the EU, we find out the tech sector’s concerns over two years of Brexit uncertainty. Our latest buyer’s guide looks at how to deploy SAP Hana, the software giant’s in-memory database suite. And we ask CIOs what they think about blockchain, the distributed ledger technology that’s generating so much excitement (and hype) in the IT community. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Treasury Committee 'confidence collapse' in HMRC customs IT system

The Treasury Committee is concerned HMRC’s new customs check system won’t be ready to go live by the time the UK leaves the EU Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Can GDS avoid becoming just another Whitehall silo? Analysing the NAO's scathing critique

Prior to this week’s publication of the latest National Audit Office (NAO) report on the Government Digital Service (GDS), rumour had it the Whitehall watchdog had pulled back from serious ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

GDS builds DDaT jobs framework

The Government Digital Service has created a framework to build common skills and capability across digital, data and technology roles Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

First cyber security startups graduate from GCHQ accelerator

The first group of companies has completed a government-led cyber accelerator programme aimed at helping UK startups take the lead in producing the next generation of cyber security systems, with another round to be announced in 2017 Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

HMRC contractors leave over inside IR35 ruling

HMRC has begun classifying its public sector contractors as "inside IR35", prompting fears of a digital "brain drain" at the organisation Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

GDS digital transformation delivers mixed results, says NAO

National Audit Office report examines Gov.uk Verify uptake, GDS strategy changes, spending controls and collaboration with departments Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

GDS needs a clearer role, NAO is expected to say

Although the Government Digital Service has done well to change the government’s approach to digital transformation, there is a risk that its remit is still too broad, the National Audit Office is expected to say in a report due out tomorrow Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

The digital revolution is unstoppable, inevitable - and bigger than Brexit

Let’s start with the disclosure. I voted for the UK to remain in the European Union (EU). My reasoning at the time was that the EU is an over-bureaucratic, dysfunctional organisation that ought to ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Are ethical questions holding back AI in France?

France has been slow to create a strategy around the use of artificial intelligence, partly due to questions around ethics Continue Reading

By

• Pat Brans, Pat Brans Associates/Grenoble Ecole de Management

Threats grow in Saudi Arabia’s cyber sector

Saudi Arabia's wealth makes it an attractive target for cyber criminals, but what have been the recent trends in cyber crime? Continue Reading

By

• Triska Hamid

1,000 sub-postmasters apply to join IT-related group litigation against Post Office

Group legal action against Post Office relates to allegedly faulty Horizon computer system Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Making the UK fit for 5G

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at the government’s new 5G strategy and assess whether it’s enough to stimulate development of next generation mobile networks. We meet some of the Silicon Valley startups hoping to revolutionise big data analytics. And we examine how to prevent the move to DevOps from harming work-life balance for IT professionals. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Inside the well-planned metro network: how CityFibre does it

Computer Weekly met metro network builder CityFibre to find out why, and how, the organisation believes it can mount a credible challenge to Openreach’s dominance of wholesale fibre Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Serco uses HR technology to cut recruitment bill

International outsourced services supplier Serco is investing in HR recruitment technology to help it hire 15,000 to 20,000 people a year Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Digital transformation of infrastructure key to UK’s future, says report

The infrastructure sector needs to take advantage of digital technology to keep up with the pace of change, according to the Institution of Civil Engineers Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Government to ramp up help for UK cyber security industry

Government, in partnership with industry, is pursuing a range of initiatives aimed at establishing a UK cyber security ecosystem, developing skills and products and boosting exports, says DIT’s Conrad Prince Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

IR35 research: 85% of contractors will quit public sector if tax status changed

Research by tax advisers QDos Contractor suggests few public sector off-payroll workers would be willing to stick around if made to pay the same tax as salaried staff Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

NCSC to educate UK politicians on the cyber threat

The National Cyber Security Centre is to deliver tailored seminars for politicians on how to protect their email communications and voters’ data to defend against cyber threats to the political system Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Scottish police’s i6 project failed due to loss of trust and disagreements, auditor finds

Police Scotland’s IT systems replacement programme failed because of loss of trust and underestimation of its complexities, according to an Audit Scotland investigation Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

CW Europe: Technology poses new risks to jobs, economies and society

Rapid advances in technology could have destabilising effects on employment and economic growth, and could exacerbate social unrest, the World Economic Forum (WEF) warned. Society’s failure to keep pace with technology change was a key risk under discussion at Davos in January. Continue Reading

Country as a service becoming reality in Estonia

Programme to help foreigners set up businesses in Estonia through virtual residency is gathering pace Continue Reading

By

• Tarmo Virki

IR35 reform will have ‘significant delivery impact’, says Home Office CIO

New regulations for public sector contractors are needed but will lead to a period of “significant pain”, according to Home Office tech boss Sarah Wilkinson Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Escaping waterfall government and the myth of 'digital transformation'

An agile approach to digital programmes will not transform Whitehall unless the waterfall approach to policy and decision-making is overhauled too Continue Reading

By

• Jerry Fishenden and Cassian Young

CIO interview: Sarah Wilkinson, Home Office

The Home Office tech boss shares her views on Brexit challenges, collaborating with GDS and running large government IT programmes Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Thorough network upgrade underpins University of Law’s IT

Legal education specialist the University of Law has undertaken a multi-million pound future IT project to refresh its networks, Wi-Fi and datacentre infrastructures across multiple locations Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

3D printing gets serious in the Netherlands

3D projects abound in the Netherlands, with the technology being applied to canal bridges, bicycles, ship components and buildings Continue Reading

By

• Jasper Bakker

MoD ditches spreadsheets for SaaS-based collaboration tool

The Ministry of Defence is taking advantage of G-Cloud for collaboration software to manage its global activities Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Gov.uk Notify ready for use across government digital services

The notification platform is now ready to be used by all central government services needing electronic progress updates for users Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

MWC 2017: Barcelona trial uses IoT and big data to manage tourists

Barcelona, the host city for Mobile World Congress, has been demonstrating its use of the internet of things and big data to help manage visitors to Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

The internet of things: an overview

Despite security and other concerns, there are many benefits associated with embracing the internet of things Continue Reading

By

• Bruce Hughes, KuppingerCole

Hundreds more sub-postmasters apply to join group action against Post Office

Initial hearing regarding sub-postmasters who say they were wrongly punished for false accounting reveals admission by Post Office legal team Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Citizen Love: the story of an ordinary family's fight with the US government

Finnish documentary makers Raimo Uunila and Lauri Danska tell the behind-the-scenes story of activist Lauri Love’s battle with the US government – and the impact of the case on his family Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

Gov.uk Verify ID providers eye the prize of HMRC’s digital users – but what happens without them?

In all the recent talk about whether HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is truly committed to the Cabinet Office’s Gov.uk Verify service, there’s been less said about the commitment of the external ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Sweden uses Minecraft for urban planning

Swedish National Land survey has put its maps on Minecraft to promote its work Continue Reading

By

• Eeva Haaramo

HPE services and CSC to become DXC Technology

The merger between HP's services division and CSC will launch in April 2017 and is expected to save the companies billions Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

HMRC ID vs Gov.uk Verify – what’s the difference, and why it matters

The long-term row between HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Government Digital Service (GDS) over online identity assurance broke into the open this week. HMRC published a blog post that ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Public sector IT suppliers blast CCS over rising G-Cloud commission charges

CCS confirms commission charges on G-Cloud sales are to rise from 0.5 to 0.75% when the next iteration of the framework drops in May 2017, but suppliers fear it could harm their ability to innovate Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

GDS, HMRC and Verify: so much for cross-government digital collaboration

Less than a week after Cabinet Office minister Ben Gummer announced the new government transformation strategy, its central premise is already in question after HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

HMRC rejects Gov.uk Verify

HM Revenue and Customs says it won’t be using Gov.uk Verify, which could cause difficulties for the government’s target of having 25 million Verify users by 2020 Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Cloud contracts are still a minefield

Cloud computing is maturing in the enterprise space, but the contracts that underpin cloud services have not evolved at the same pace Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Government digital strategy ticks the boxes - but real transformation needs more radical ambition

The long wait for the new government digital strategy may have caused frustration in some places, but clearly within the Cabinet Office the extensive delays have brought expectations to a peak of ... Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Government transformation strategy aims to 'restore faith in democracy', says minister

Cabinet Office minister Ben Gummer outlines his ambitious hopes for the new government transformation strategy at its launch Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Lack of data sharing is barrier to health and social care integration

NHS and social care organisations are still unsure of when to share information because of a “confusing” regulatory framework, and the National Audit Office is unimpressed with the progress on health and social care integration Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Government digital transformation strategy promises to ‘serve’ its people

Long-awaited strategy aims to change the way government departments and services work though digital technology Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How a Dublin court case could derail EU-US data privacy agreements

The Irish Commercial Court will consider whether privacy protection offered by standard contractual clauses for data transfers to the US from Europe is legally valid Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Cahill and Dai Davis

NHS websites defaced by Tunisian Islamist hacktivists

Another series of pro-Islamic State hacktivist attacks on NHS websites has underlined the need to harden websites and keep software up to date as attackers exploit a vulnerability in WordPress Continue Reading

By

• Warwick Ashford, Senior analyst

Middle East and North Africa public cloud spend to hit $2bn by 2020

Middle East-based organisations are turning to public cloud services, with software as a service driving a major year-on-year spending increase Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA