Stories by CIO New Zealand

Microsoft has unveiled the beta version of its latest web browser Internet Explorer 9 (IE9), but for the vast majority of corporate IT managers and their users, this is a complete non-event.
Corporate IT managers have more fundamental upgrade issues to think about. They are still trying to decide if Windows 7 is worth the cost of upgrade, so thoughts of rolling out IE9 are a long, long way off, claims ICT consultancy firm Ovum in a press statement.

Budget airline JetStar has selected this country as the launch market for its recently developed SMS boarding pass technology.
Customers can now board their flight using the unique SMS boarding system through their mobile phone via a standard text message when travelling between Auckland and Christchurch, extending to Wellington and Queenstown services in coming weeks.

Even at this stage, businesses in Christchurch can take measures to help ensure their survival in the aftermath of the earthquake.
“For businesses that still operate in the affected region, their short-term focus should be to make sure things don’t get worse,” says Ian Forrester, managing director of business continuity provider Plan-b. “First, they should ensure a business grade back-up of their data is taken right away and get it to a safe and secure location.”

IBM has reported retailer Farmers Trading Group is the first New Zealand user to switch its implementation of SAP applications to IBM DB2 from its current database.
David Lean, head of IT at Farmers, says the decision to move was simple, as DB2 offered a better compression rate than their previous database.

KiwiRail has signed a $3 million dollar contract for IBM to provide software and services that will help improve the speed, safety, and reliability of its rail service.
“Advanced business analytics will provide proactive, accurate analysis and reporting of network assets in real-time to help us manage our resources efficiently,” says Rick van Barneveld, general manager, KiwiRail Network.

Telecom New Zealand has announced the appointment of Nick Olson as chief financial officer, effective in October.
Olson has been with Telecom since 2002, first in the role of treasurer, moving to GM finance for four years, and most recently serving as group controller. He also served in an acting capacity as CFO in 2008.

Simpl Group CEO Bennett Medary is the new chair of the NZICT.
Medary takes over from Cisco country manager Geoff Lawrie, who recently completed his one year term as chair.

Fraudsters are targeting unsecured PABXs in New Zealand and getting away with hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, it is said.
Leaving your PABX unsecured is like leaving your PIN numbers or bank account details and access codes pinned to your front door, says the Telecommunications Industry Group (TIG).

Air New Zealand has chosen Gen-u to deliver its datacentre and network infrastructure.
The agreement covers voice and data network services worldwide, and 24x7x365 day support and project services across all of Air New Zealand's global and domestic locations, according to a press statement issued by Gen-i.

Computerworld, together with the support of Hewlett Packard New Zealand, are preparing to recognise Excellence in the Use of ICT in Government through a special award to be announced in Wellington on 27 October 2010.
Entries are now open until 6 September 2010.

Symantec’s latest Information Management Health Check Survey finds enterprises generally save information indefinitely, instead of implementing policies that allow them to manage information effectively.
Enterprises should have a better defined policy of what records should be kept, and this policy has to be done with IT, legal and the other business units, says Craig Scroggie, vice president and managing director of Symantec in the Pacific region.

Paul Muckleston

Mike Foley of Watercare Services has been named CIO of the Year, and Absolute IT is the winner of the Excellence in IT Recruitment Award.
The winners were announced at the gala dinner last night during the first day of the two-day CIO Summit at the SkyCity Convention Centre.
The judges said Mike Foley built the case for increased investment in ICT at Watercare, gained the support of the organisation, and increased ICT investment 10-fold from what it was previously. The result was a “significant lift in customer service, upgrading and standardising of key ICT systems and serviuces, significant reduction in business risk to Watercare related to ICT.”
In November, Foley will take on the role of information systems manager at Auckland Council. The judges noted that as a result of improved ICT capability and systems, “Watercare is well positioned as it takes on services previously provided by the individual Auckland local authorities as the Auckland Super City is formed.”

Freightways has signed a three-year “whole of business” telecommunications contract with Gen-i.
The contract includes voice, mobile and data services, including Gen-i’s new managed data networking service, Gen-i WAN Services.

Bradley de Souza has left Telecom New Zealand as its general manager technology operations.
De Souza’s role was disestablished as part of the ongoing downsizing of staff at the telco, which included the removal of a layer of general managers.