Hi there,

Social media commentary lit up recently when people noticed their smartphones suddenly had reference to ‘exposure notification’. It was, of course, the long-touted Google/Apple offering to aid contact tracing.

The furore highlights one of the big issues with digital contact tracing: Privacy concerns. Do we really want to be tracked, even if it is ‘for the greater good’?

Ironically, the privacy requirements being enforced by Apple + Google have turned off some governments, keen for less private and more centralised contact tracing where the public authority holds the data.

So where to for the future? Embedded into smartphone operating systems and talking seamlessly to properly designed contact tracing apps, there's little doubt that Bluetooth proximity can mitigate the risk of spread.

But they are destined to failure if fear, uncertainty and doubt are left to rule over science, technology and fact.

In other news this week:

Are offshored support services returning home?
Bezos delivers for Aussie boozos
SMEs spend up on work from home
NZ scores fail vs AU tech education reforms

Craft beer also gets a moment in the spotlight. Award-winning Deep Creek Brewing has emerged from a suburban Auckland garage to take on export markets with sophisticated supply chain traceability provided by an integrated ERP solution which is also delivering efficiency and flexibility.

Enjoy the read,

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.com.au

CONTACT TRACING APPS

The rise and rapid fall of Covid tracing apps

Is it really a fail for Covid tracing apps?…

They were hailed as a critical component to end Covid lockdowns, but high profile failures of several contact tracing apps are casting shade over digital contact tracing.

‘Apple won’t change the system.’

[Read more]

OUTSOURCING

Offshored seats coming home

The tide is turning after lockdown hits top end of town…

There is a bright spot in the local tech sector employment market as top-end-of-town corporates begin repatriating up to 10 percent of their offshored roles.

“Several of our largest companies have had to urgently adjust their contact centre strategies.”

[Read more]

ECOMMERCE

Amazon starts selling booze in Australia

Whatever your drop, you can now order it online and get it delivered to your door…

Amazon has launched an online liquor sales platform in Australia, delivering wine, beer, spirits and more to thirsty digital shoppers all over the country.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen demand for contactless alcohol purchases – and drinking in general – significantly increase.

[Read more]

TECH INVESTMENT

SME’s prioritise tech while Covid drives PC market growth

Small business, big tech plans…

While Covid-19 lockdowns may have wracked havoc on economies, when it comes to fast-tracking digitisation and digital transformation for SMEs, it turns out they can be big drivers.

“Investing in fundamental technologies was a key response during the pandemic – and one that will continue helping them weather the storm during the recession.”

[Read more]

EDUCATION

NZ Govt misses mark on digital recovery

Tech education reforms are headed for failure…

IT Professionals New Zealand’s Paul Matthews was optimistic about the vocational education reform when it first kicked off.

“They don’t have any focus towards the impact technology is having on the economy.”

[Read more]

CLIENT INSIGHT

Raising the bar for craft beer

Crafting efficiency, traceability and flexibility...

Growing from home brewers to international exporters, Deep Creek Brewing Company chose Abel ERP to integrate their business systems and automate workflows.

“We changed from three different software systems to one integrated system and it was working perfectly within a month.”

[Read more]

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