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Hi there,
It wasn’t really a surprise when the GCSB this week slapped down Spark’s plans to use Huawei gear for its 5G build, but it is a marker in time where external politics overrode domestic sense.
Despite declarations of "asserting independence" and demands for "incontrovertible proof", the GCSB has accepted fears driven by the United States that Huawei's 5G networks open risks not inherent in its 4G and UFB network equipment.
Behind the scenes there's little doubt this is political posturing with our Five Eyes allies, but Andrew Little insists the ban is because of the technology, not because Huawei is Chinese, although exactly how it differs from the Nokia and Ericsson alternatives has not been explained.
It is, in short, a shot in the foot for the nation's telecommunications competitiveness and consumers will pay.
In other news:
- A/NZ policy leaders bury heads over the future of work
- Biometrics hits mainstream, Silly Walks put on notice
- Social marketing under question as new Goliath rises
- NZ’s AI directing merchandising decisions
We also bring some early snow to the Christmas season with a look at how ski and board retailer Snowcentre modernised and transformed its operations with the n2 ERP & e-commerce system from First Software.
Enjoy the read,
Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz
GCSB folds under five eyes pressure
Spark, Huawei, you and I pay price for political expediency…
New Zealand is following in Australia’s lead, with the GCSB declining a proposal by Spark to use Huawei 5G equipment, citing ‘significant national security risks’.
“I have informed Spark that a significant network security risk was identified.”
Future of work: A/NZ leaders starkly unprepared
Oceania leaders see less disruption ahead than other APAC countries...
The latest APAC State of the Region report suggests tech-driven workforce disruption is already upon us – but we’re still ‘starkly unprepared’ to deal with the consequences.
“The region’s preparedness to deal with the … possible disruption coming from new technologies is sobering.”
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Biometric ID tech’s growing acceptance
The consumerisation of biometrics is seeing the selfie elevated to trusted identity authenticator...
Biometric facial identification is quickly becoming the authentication tech du jour.
“Owing to the accuracy and speed of the process, it has started to be widely accepted across the world.”
[Read more]
Is digital marketing in crisis?
Facebook and Google, Google and Facebook. What lies beyond the digital marketing duopoly?..
If you’re spending money on digital advertising, there’s a good chance that you’re used to handing over cash to the ‘big two’ of online marketing, Facebook and Google.
“Many business owners have become suspicious of digital advertising.”
[Read more]
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Insite AI adds silicon smarts to retail
Kiwi can-do to save retailers big bucks...
Like many a jaded biz tech follower, you’d be forgiven for admitting that you’re suffering from buzzword fatigue.
“Tests showed using AI to fine-tune supply chain management by one percent delivered an impressive seven to ten figure increase on revenue.”
Snow sports retailer chooses cool business software
Snowcentre implements n2 ERP, moves into the modern world…
After relying on custom software to run its business for over two decades, iconic NZ winter sports retailer Snowcentre opted for a complete overhaul by implementing n2 ERP from First Software.
“We’re flexible and nimble to respond to the market and consumer moves.”
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