Hi there,

Rocket Labs' latest courier drop to low-earth orbit last week carried with it hopes for the internet of the future – laying the groundwork for the technology that could ultimately provide space-based internet access for the entire planet.

Of course, Rocket Lab’s client – none other than US Department of Defense agency DARPA – may have its own objectives in mind with the deployment.

The US DoD connection brings with it the confronting reality that Peter Beck's more noble scientific quests are likely to be funded by military pursuits that are not always so popular.

In other news this week:

Spark’s risky sports play will be Moutter-less
Plexure gains big name fast-food investor
The good and the bad in business IoT uptake
Fisheries reporting goes digital
Security spend – and breaches – increase

Enjoy the read,

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz

Rocket Lab fires up for new space-based internet

Launch of DARPA tech raises questions about military payloads and the internet of the future…

Taking off from Mahia Peninsula last Friday was Rocket Lab’s 25th satellite, providing more evidence that the NZ/California-based aerospace operator may just be the little satellite launcher that could.

[It] could revolutionise global communications by laying the groundwork for a space-based internet.

[Read more]

Spark Sport launches – and sputters

Sudden CEO departure puts pressure on for true test that is RWC 2019…

They say if you want to be a millionaire, become a telco – just make sure you’re already a billionaire.

There is considerable debate around Spark’s ability to accommodate a large-scale viewership.

[Read more]

McDonald’s takes bite of NZ’s Plexure

First investment in mobile app vendor for fast food giant…

New Zealand’s Plexure – previously VMob – has gained a helping hand with none other than fast-food chain McDonalds taking a $5.4 million stake in the company.

“This investment is a testament to our belief in Plexure’s ability to deliver strong results for our business as well as the talent and technology they’ve cultivated.”

[Read more]

APAC businesses leading way with IoT

Returns proven but still lacking full scale and sophistication…

Ninety-five percent of IoT adopters are already seeing a ROI, with 47 percent of Asia Pacific adopters reporting a ‘significant’ ROI.

Despite their enthusiasm, companies in this region have further to go in developing their programmes and achieving all the possible benefits.

[Read more]

Moana Fisheries signs on for digital reporting platform

Mandatory requirements bring high tech to the high seas...

Tablets look set to become required equipment on commercial fishing vessels as electronic reporting takes to the high seas in a push for better data accuracy and sustainable fisheries.

“Constant innovation and change is required to ensure we honour our promises to be sustainable for future generations.”

[Read more]

Security spend is up, but so too are breaches

We’re spending more on security than ever, so why do breaches keep rising?…

The results of the Ninth Annual Cost of Cybercrime Study are in and show an expanding cyber threat landscape – despite increased security spending.

“Almost 80 percent of organisations are introducing digitally fuelled innovation faster than their ability to secure it against cyberattackers.”

[Read more]

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