News, views and analysis from NZ’s tech sector No Images? Click here Hi there, Sunday was a momentous day for New Zealand, and I’m not referring to Armistice 100 – though that was clearly important – or the All Blacks test escapades. I, like many others in the newfound space nerdscape, was glued to my computer screen watching the launch of Rocket Lab’s first commercial mission from Mahia Peninsula. It may have looked a modest affair – the 18m Electron rocket is a pipsqueak when compared to Elon Musk’s SpaceX’s Falcon 9, and its payloads are significantly smaller than what Falcon 9 can haul – but founder Peter Beck is promising – and delivering – ‘a new era in access to space’ with rapid manifesting and up to 130 orbital missions a year. And Rocket Lab’s future got even brighter today with news that the company has secured US$140 million in Series E financing – with ACC (yes, the Accident Compensation Corporation of NZ) joining the round. The next payload? NASA. In other news this week:
We also take a look at how a fully-managed Fuji Xerox print and MFD deal is benefiting Victoria University (you know, that one down in Wellington) and its students. Enjoy the read, Heather Wright Rocket Lab reaches for the starsSuccessful commercial launch is the ultimate combination of technology and business… If 10 years ago, someone had told me New Zealand would be launching satellites into orbit, I’d have howled with laughter. “This technology will really open space for business.” Taking intelligence to the edgeA/NZ companies step up to the edge as IoT takes hold... Local manufacturers and government agencies are among the potential early adopters already eyeing up edge computing as a way harness data at the edge. “The demand for more real-time interaction between things, people and data will necessitate the growth of edge computing.” Below and beyond: The underground drones are comingDrone technology is rapidly taking off – but there's action happening closer to ground... There’s a lot happening in drone-land these days. Currently eating up all the attention on this side of the globe is Google’s Wing project. “There’s a real opportunity for New Zealand to become a hotbed of drone R&D.” GCSB, ANZ bank, Aura among iSANZ 2018 winnersNZ security awards highlight Kiwi cybersecurity efforts... A GCSB initiative to counter complex and persistent foreign malware and the ANZ bank’s cybersecurity awareness work were among the winners at iSANZ's awards. “The calibre of entrants reinforces the depth of local talent and the seriousness with which cybersecurity is now taken.” Alibaba’s massive numbers highlight growth op for A/NZ businessIt’s not just fancy numbers for a foreign company... Alibaba’s Singles Day sales on Sunday smashed records as virtual cash registers rang to the tune of more than US$30.8 billion in just 24 hours, with Australian and Kiwi companies among those cashing in. “The reality is a number of A/NZ businesses are succeeding and really taking this opportunity.” It’s all smooth printing for Victoria University of WellingtonFuji Xerox devices and oversight has eliminated frustrations right across campus… Victoria University of Wellington was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious tertiary institutions. “Delivery of a consistent and reliable level of service keeps the busy University printing, day in, day out.” This week's sponsor: Upcoming events: > HiNZ Conference | Nov 21-23 | Wellington iStart is proudly supported by these leading 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 eNewsletter 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
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