Archived News for IT Professionals - March, 2011
A survey of IT experts by the University of Sydney has supported calls to halt the rollout of the NSW Clinical Information System FirstNet, with a review finding the system should be spearheaded by an IT-savvy clinician.
The findings from Health Information Technology Research Laboratory director, Professor Jon Patrick, are based on interviews with software performance experts with experience of FirstNet. They build on previously released issues raised by the heads of seven NSW emergency departments.
Among a list of recommendations emanating from his study, Professor Patrick says the rollout of FirstNet should stop, problems with the software addressed and solved where possible, and IT-savvy clinicians given a greater role in developing NSW's e-health.
Future Fund sells down on Telstra
The Future Fund Board of Guardians has announced that it has ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Telstra with the sale of shares down to a holding of 620.4 million shares or 4.99% of the company.
Queensland launches tools to help business transition to global digital economy
The Queensland Government has launched a new online toolkit and ICT database and directory to assist local businesses to take advantage of the National Broadband Network (NBN) as is rolled out.
NBN Companies legislation passes in the Senate
Amendments to the National Broadband Network (NBN ) legislation introduced by Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, have been passed with some late changes.
Cloud computing offers financial services a new future
A white paper produced by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) and Fujitsu has outlined opportunities for the financial services industry to improve its customer service by using techniques of cloud computing.
Online retailers facing supplier obstacles
Australian online retail businesses are facing road blocks from suppliers who are trying to prevent their products being sold online, according to a recent survey by eBay.
NBN rollout setback likely due to delays in Telstra agreement
Telstra has been forced to delay its extraordinary general meeting, scheduled for 1 July, due to delays in the process of negotiation over the National Broadband Network. As a result, NBN Co has indicated that the schedule for construction of second release sites may be delayed.
ACMA seeks comment on phone number allocation system
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is seeking feedback on allocation systems for telephone numbers in its third consultation paper about the future of numbering in Australia – Allocation and charging of numbers.
Korea-Australia-New Zealand Broadband Summit to be staged in Hobart
The Korea-Australia-New Zealand Broadband Summit is to be held in Hobart from 28 to 29 April this year.
Swedish ICT company opens headquarters in Australia
The Swedish-based Handheld Group has opened its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Sydney, Australia, to provide a local presence and take advantage of proximity to Asia.
Townsville wins IBM Smart Cities grant
Townsville has been selected as one of 24 cities around the world to receive a Smarter Cities Challenge grant from global technology company IBM this year.
Perth to Geraldton Fibre Optic Link completed
The new 449 kilometre fibre link between Perth and Geraldton in south-west Western Australia has been completed, becoming the the first part of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Western Australia.
Government signs agreement with NEC on applications of National Broadband Network
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Senator Stephen Conroy has announced an agreement with NEC Corporation to promote innovation and international excellence which capitalises on the rollout of the National Broadband network (NBN).
Inquiry into emergency and natural disaster ICT response
Under its terms of reference, the Committee will investigate:
MASSIVE computing research facility launched
A new computing facility called MASSIVE – or Multi-modal Australian ScienceS Imaging and Visualisation Environment – is the latest tool in the fight against serious and life-threatening illnesses including lung disease, diabetes, AIDS and cancer.
Commercialisation Australia announces project funding
34 new inventions have received grants of up to $2 million to commercialise their projects under the Federal Government’s new Commercialisation Australia initiative.
ACMA releases key spectrum management roadmap
Assisting the government to achieve digital switchover, delivering key projects to address ongoing spectrum demand, and planning for new services have been identified as key tasks in the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s key spectrum management roadmap, the Five-year spectrum outlook 2011-2015.
UK software company establishes Australian R&D centre
Software application provider App-DNA has established a new regional office in Sydney, NSW, and a research and development centre in Perth, WA, to take advantage of the opportunities available in the Australian market.
National security telecommunications amendment bill passed
The Telecommunications Interception and Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 has been passed through Federal Parliament.
ACCC releases revised initial POI list
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today issued a revised list of initial points of interconnect* (POI) to the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Former IBM chief appointed to head communications and media review
Former IBM Australia chief Glenn Boreham has been appointed to as the chairman of the Convergence Review Committee, which will review of Australia’s communications and media regulatory environment.