Industry news

Benelux Port in Rotterdam is testing out a blockchain-based application for processing containers.

This follows the movement created by Antwerp Port in Belgium where the Secure Container Release Application has replaced the current method of using PIN codes. 

Blockchain uses a digital token instead of a PIN which will reduce fraud and all associated risk as the tokens cannot be copied or stolen. This will make the port more efficient and safer.

Read the full article here

Sony and Kioxia have requested US approval to supply Huawei Technology. This follows as other technology companies such as Intel Corp have recently received licenses from the US.

Sony is one of Huawei’s top customers for their image sensor mobiles. Kioxia is the world's second largest marker of flash memory chips and supplies Huawei.

Without licenses from the US both companies will face risk to their earnings.

Read the full article here

UK tax collector wants to reset its supply chain by allocating its entire £900m annual IT budget to the wider supplier landscapes in order to create a new Technology Sourcing Programme.

This programme is aimed to "deliver a step change in how HMRC delivers IT, works with IT suppliers to procure and utilise technology and how we work more broadly as an organisation.”

Read the full article here

GardaWorld bids £3bn to takeover their rival firm G4S as they believe that the company requires new management.

This news caused G4S shares to jump by 4%. However, the G4S board unanimously rejected the offer as they believe it undervalues the firm. 

The G4S has been looking to revamp their business after a series of issues starting back in 2012 with the London Olympic Games. 

The Canadian firm GardaWorld outlined plans that if they were to takeover the UK security company G4S then they would uphold their headquarters in London and honour all of their UK government contracts.

To read the full article you will need to be subscribed to the Financial Times 

Microsoft has launched the Azure for Operators Initiative as they partner with the telecommunications industry in order to improve Cloud and to investigate the requirements of introducing 5G.

The initiative is designed to connect a company with network operators to create new opportunities, provide core infrastructure, combining cloud, cellular and edge resources in order to provide low latency and largest reach at a low cost.

Read the full article here

Really interesting article on LinkedIn from Tim Wright about the HMRC confirming changes to VAT positions when terminating an outsourcing or supply agreement for convenience.

Read the article here

The EU is preparing to force Big Tech companies to share consumer data with smaller rival firms according to an early draft of the Digital Services Act which is expected by the end of the year.

Regulations are also set to be enforced in order to ensure that the gatekeeper platforms big tech companies use to run their sites should only be able to collect data for narrow purposes. 

By enforcing regulations like this Brussels is hoping to set a global standard for the technology sector and to minimise the advantages Big Tech companies like Google take because there are no rules.

To read the full article you will need to be subscribed to the Financial Time.

Fascinating perspective from Sunil Chavan at Computer Weekly on The Race to get Data Analytics Right, worth a read.

Read the article here 

The UK and US have signed a new agreement to cooperate on research and development of artificial intelligence.

This agreement aims to drive technological breakthroughs whilst strengthening the countries collective prosperity and national security. 

Read the full article here

Nokia has signed a contract with Britain’s biggest mobile operator, BT, to supply 5G radio equipment after Britain's decision to ban China’s Huawei 5G technology.

This deal will make Nokia BT’s largest equipment provider.

Read the full article here