The most recent articles from VNU Business Publications

UK government asks citizens to suggest laws

Tom Young — 2008-05-15T17:20:00.000Z

Tom Young, Computing, Thursday 15 May 2008 at 17:20:00

Public can log on to advise government on proposed legislation for the year ahead

The first web-based public consultation on upcoming legislation for the year ahead launched this week. The feedback form, available at www.commonsleader.gov.uk/draftprogramme will allow the public to advise MPs of their...

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Lessons learned is a good place to begin

Ray Stanton — 2008-05-15T15:24:00.000Z

Ray Stanton, Computing, Thursday 15 May 2008 at 15:24:00

Preparation is key to dealing with emergencies effectively

Many organisations were simply not ready for the effect of last year’s flooding, and this was a clear example of how the public sector can improve its risk management....

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Mobile Web 2.0 to be worth £11.5bn by 2013

Neon Kelly — 2008-05-14T10:38:00.000Z

Neon Kelly, Computing, Wednesday 14 May 2008 at 10:38:00

Social networks and user-generated content will fuel the sector's growth

The mobile Web 2.0 global market will be worth $22.4bn (£11.5bn) by 2013, spearheaded by the rise in user-generated content (UGC) and social networks....

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Staff using social networks to talk to customers

Neon Kelly — 2008-05-14T06:00:00.000Z

Neon Kelly, Computing, Wednesday 14 May 2008 at 06:00:00

Restricting access to popular sites could harm businesses as workers get used to benefits of connectivity, says research

More than one third of office workers worldwide are using social networks to communicate with customers, according to research. And the growing variety of communication methods in the workplace is...

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Next speaks up for faster warehouse processes

Angelica Mari — 2008-05-13T13:11:00.000Z

Angelica Mari, Computing, Tuesday 13 May 2008 at 13:11:00

The retailer is using a voice-based system to improve operations at its new distribution centre

High street retailer Next is using voice-based technology to improve picking productivity at one of its distribution centres. The hands-free kit allows workers at Next’s new distribution centre in Dearne...

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Aviva improves communications network

Angelica Mari — 2008-05-13T10:29:00.000Z

Angelica Mari, Computing, Tuesday 13 May 2008 at 10:29:00

Six-year contract with Cable & Wireless will cover 72 different network services

Insurance group Aviva has signed an extension of a contract with supplier Cable & Wireless for the provision of communications....

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Speaker blocks moves to put parliament on YouTube

Tom Young — 2008-05-12T16:48:00.000Z

Tom Young, Computing, Monday 12 May 2008 at 16:48:00

MPs are worried footage will be distorted

Commons speaker Michael Martin is preventing parliamentary clips being available online. Footage from the chamber and committee rooms are only available subject to a licence which is issued by the...

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BA: software failures key in T5 fiasco

Tom Young — 2008-05-08T17:00:00.000Z

Tom Young, Computing, Thursday 8 May 2008 at 17:00:00

Glitches and lack of training caused baggage disasters

Software failures were a key part of the Terminal 5 fiasco (T5) last month, but it is still unclear whether British Airways (BA) or BAA are responsible, a Commons Transport...

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Bournemouth to get broadband by sewer

Tom Young — 2008-05-08T10:19:00.000Z

Tom Young, Computing, Thursday 8 May 2008 at 10:19:00

Network will provide high bandwidth broadband services with minimal disruption

Bournemouth will become the first UK "fibrecity" after a plan to deliver broadband to residents and businesses through the sewers was given the green light....

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Rising Euro devalues Orange UK revenues

Martin Courtney — 2008-05-07T13:19:00.000Z

Martin Courtney, Computing, Wednesday 7 May 2008 at 13:19:00

France Telecom’s UK revenues down 3.1 per cent

A decline in revenues from its UK Orange mobile subsidiary meant France Telecom’s first-quarter 2008 revenues remained flat at €13bn (£10.25bn) compared to €12.8bn (£10.1bn) a year earlier....

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BT reveals its broadband smartphone

Neon Kelly — 2008-05-07T11:09:00.000Z

Neon Kelly, Computing, Wednesday 7 May 2008 at 11:09:00

The ToGo device will allow users to make calls and surf the web via WiFi

BT has re-entered the mobile market with a BlackBerry-like smartphone that allows users to surf the internet while on the move....

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Yelllow pages publisher sees web strategy reap profit

Tom Young — 2008-05-06T16:36:00.000Z

Tom Young, Computing, Tuesday 6 May 2008 at 16:36:00

Idearc hope to stem tide of falling investor confidence as information search market goes online

Yellow pages publisher Idearc saw quarterly profit rise 7.8 per cent to $111m (£56m) year on year, thanks to a more web-focused strategy....

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Mobile technology supports EDF maintenance

Janie Davies — 2008-05-06T16:30:00.000Z

Janie Davies, Computing, Tuesday 6 May 2008 at 16:30:00

The distribution arm of EDF Energy is using mobile routing technology to monitor its substations

EDF Energy Networks (EDFEN) is monitoring the performance of 400 electricity substations in south east England using mobile routing technology. Sarian software configures and manages the substations remotely, diagnosing problems so...

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Media firms are slow to adopt new digital tools

Neon Kelly — 2008-05-06T12:55:00.000Z

Neon Kelly, Computing, Tuesday 6 May 2008 at 12:55:00

Two thirds of media organisations have less than half the required technology in place, says survey

The world's media companies are failing to prepare for the digital market of the future, according to research by consultancy Accenture....

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Thomson Reuters migrates to high-speed network

Angelica Mari — 2008-05-06T11:15:00.000Z

Angelica Mari, Computing, Tuesday 6 May 2008 at 11:15:00

The publisher will move to a high-speed WAN to cover 300 locations worldwide

Media group Thomson Reuters has signed an agreement with BT to manage its wide area network (WAN) in an eight-year outsourcing deal....

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