News, views and analysis from the A/NZ tech sector
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Hi there,
Shortage of high-tech skills is an age-old problem in IT, but Covid's impact on freedom of movement (if our archaic immigration procedures could ever be described as 'freedom') has further exacerbated the problem.
Just how bad the issue has got became more apparent this week with news that almost 60 percent of respondents in an NZTech survey saying they are now unable to take on new work because of the digital skills shortage.
It’s an alarming figure at any time, but given how many businesses are still recovering from the pandemic, and how crucial digitisation is for the future, its impacts are far-reaching.
Skills shortages aren’t limited to the tech sector, of course. But a shortage of IT delivery capability stifles efforts by companies to improve productivity, access new efficiencies and service new markets. We need technology professionals to improve the nation's performance across multiple sectors. From long overdue health care reforms to our manufacturing, construction and agriculture industries, digital skills are critical.
The question is, does this government really understand that?
Enjoy the read,
Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz
In this issue
> Digitisation, new work paused as shortages bite
> IT, business not united on tech purchasing
> The Kaseya hack – and how to protect your network
> Making Financial Planning a continuous and popular activity
> Productivity tools killing business productivity
> Digital contact tracing and the missing notifications
> AppWrap: Tech news from around the web
Digitisation, new work paused as shortages bite
A/NZ tech sector strains to fulfil demands...
"The pandemic has highlighted the advantage weightless exports offer yet immigration policies don’t reflect this.”
IT, business not united on tech purchasing
The new ‘cooperative’ buyer journey…
“Everything seems to matter equally.”
The Kaseya hack – and how to protect your network
Supply chain hacks push incident response plans to fore…
“We were beaten by REvil in the final sprint.”
Making Financial Planning a continuous and popular activity
One of the lessons learned from COVID-19 is that the old way of planning doesn’t work anymore…
Incremental planning will give you the edge to be able to nimbly pivot when unexpected conditions arise.
Productivity tools killing business productivity
Too many apps, too little time…
“The result isn’t greater productivity – it’s total chaos.”
Digital contact tracing and the missing notifications
MoH makes changes…
“We have identified improvements we can make to the system and our processes.”
AppWrap: Tech news from around the web
AWS, Google, Microsoft and Atlassian say proposed cyber takeover laws will cause more issues if government is allowed to install software on their networks.
NZ to get consumer data right with the government introducing legislation next year to establish a Consumer Data Right to give people more control over the information businesses hold on them.
Misinformation big concern for Kiwis. The majority of New Zealanders are ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ concerned about the spread of misinformation.
Upcoming events
> Digital and Cyber Risk: Beyond 2020 | Aug 5 | Auckland
> CIO Summit 2021 | Aug 31 - Sept 01 | Auckland
> 2022 NZ Cyber Security Summit | Feb 15-16, 2022 | Wellington
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