News, views and analysis from A/NZ tech sector No Images? Click here Hi there, The September attack on Saudi oil facilities might have driven home the real risks of drone technologies being used for hostile reasons, but ISIS has reportedly been using consumer drones outfitted with grenades as weapons for some time. Added to 'UAVs' shutting down airports and disrupting, in the case of the London Gatwick incident, the travel plans of 140,000 people, drones have become a problem in need of a solution. No surprise then that the counter-drone market is, ahem, taking off. In fact, if anyone is going to make a serious commercial success out of drones, it’s likely to be the anti-drone developers, as they deploy a range of technologies that the custodians of major infrastructure sites are lapping up. In other news:
We also examine some technologies on the near horizon to give your business the edge – from smart contracting to autonomous receivables to AI-driven bot-as-a-service (spoiler alert, that one is a little further away). Enjoy the read, Heather Wright
When good drones go badAs UAV tech and risks proliferate, the counter-drone market is booming… With endless applications and plunging prices, we seem to be entering the age of drones everywhere, all the time. People should be able to attend events and gatherings free from the prospect of drones being an agent of harm. SPACE INNOVATION NZ reaches new heights with space investment and innovationNew funding, new projects and greater launch capacity… NZ is taking its space ambitions to new heights with new government investment – and robotic assistance to speed up Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket manufacturing. “Recovering and reusing Electron could play a significant role in increasing launch frequency.” ACQUISITION A/NZ financial software provider soldUK’s Access Group eyes Australasian market entry on back of deal… Attaché Software – the 30-year-old financial management and payroll software supplier headed up by Kiwi Mike Rich – has been acquired by UK software provider Access Group. There is real potential to tap into a significant share of this market growth. GOOGLE LEAKS Tired of leaks, Google scales back its Friday meetings, says leaked documentBeset by scandals, leaks and employee discontent, Google scales back the transparency… Google appears to be entering a new, less transparent era with the radical retoolinging of its trademark company-wide town hall meetings, following a series of embarrassing leaks. There’s even a dedicated email address for employees to inform on other employees. 5G NEWS Telstra calls for govt help to combat 5G scare campaignWhere’s the truth in the wireless apocalypse claims?… Telstra is calling on the Australian govt to take a proactive role in combating a health scare campaign around 5G – driven, it says by ‘foreign actors’, and gathering fervour across Australia and NZ. It’s a message many don’t want to hear. AUTOMATION The rise of smart robots for smart businessIt won’t happen overnight, but smart contracting, autonomous receivables, e-audit and AI-driven bots-as-a-service will happen… From smart contracts to provide you with competitive advantage, to autonomous receivables and e-audits and even AI-driven bots-as-a-service, there’s a world of new technology coming to provide a (robot) helping hand for business. “You have to be able to collect your cash.” PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Upcoming events: > Advancing Digital & IT Law | Nov 25 | Auckland iStart is proudly supported by these leading New Zealand software providers: Latest Buyer's Guides ERP Buyer's Guide | CRM Buyer's Guide | HR/HCM Buyer's Guide | BI Buyer's Guide Privacy statement: We have sent this weekly newsletter to you at your e-mail address: [email address suppressed]. iStart will never share your e-mail address, but you may from time to time receive other event invitations or partner communications from us. You can opt out of these by managing your subscription preferences, where you can also update your e-mail address and other details. Find out more about iStart | Advertise with iStart | Subscribe |