Wednesday, May 7, 2008
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Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Services market to hit $15b in 2011: IDC
THE Australian technology services market will grow at a compound rate of 4.4 per cent annually to reach A$15 billion by 2011, according to research IDC, though skills shortages will present the sector with ongoing challenges.
The IDC report found the Australia services market in 2007 was worth $12.6 billion.
IDCs IT services research manager Margaret Banaghan said the outlook for the broader Australian economy and for IT services remains “buoyant” and that end user organisations were addressing a range of business issues that would underpin growth in the services sector.
“Executives are turning to IT services firms to assist with issues including Green IT, SOA (Services Oriented Architecture) and web services, selective sourcing including offshoring and mobility services,” Ms Banaghan said.
Meanwhile the report found the outsourcing market in Australia, which is approximately 50 per cent of the total IT services market, was as vibrant and dynamic as ever.
IDC research manager for outsourcing and BPO Aprajita Sharma said there would likely be a decline in so-called “global mega-deals” in the short-term, but that this would “result in increased and heated competition in the IT outsourcing segment, especially on the pricing front as players tread on competitor territory.”
The report said skills shortages in the services industry continued unabated, and that as a result “smaller players are finding themselves in greater demand by government and business clients alike, as they often possess skills in a particular technology that have become scarce.
The report also found that market consolidation activity in 2007 was solid. There was a healthy rate of acquisition activity in the Australia IT services arena over the past year which is expected to continue over the next 12–24 months as players strive for growth and an extension of skills or geographic reach.
For more Managed Service news, click here.
For more IT Security news, click here.
For more Skills Alley News click here.
The IDC report found the Australia services market in 2007 was worth $12.6 billion.
IDCs IT services research manager Margaret Banaghan said the outlook for the broader Australian economy and for IT services remains “buoyant” and that end user organisations were addressing a range of business issues that would underpin growth in the services sector.
“Executives are turning to IT services firms to assist with issues including Green IT, SOA (Services Oriented Architecture) and web services, selective sourcing including offshoring and mobility services,” Ms Banaghan said.
Meanwhile the report found the outsourcing market in Australia, which is approximately 50 per cent of the total IT services market, was as vibrant and dynamic as ever.
IDC research manager for outsourcing and BPO Aprajita Sharma said there would likely be a decline in so-called “global mega-deals” in the short-term, but that this would “result in increased and heated competition in the IT outsourcing segment, especially on the pricing front as players tread on competitor territory.”
The report said skills shortages in the services industry continued unabated, and that as a result “smaller players are finding themselves in greater demand by government and business clients alike, as they often possess skills in a particular technology that have become scarce.
The report also found that market consolidation activity in 2007 was solid. There was a healthy rate of acquisition activity in the Australia IT services arena over the past year which is expected to continue over the next 12–24 months as players strive for growth and an extension of skills or geographic reach.
For more Managed Service news, click here.
For more IT Security news, click here.
For more Skills Alley News click here.
Microsoft shakes up online management
JUST as Microsoft appears ready to up the ante in its US$45 billion (A$49.6 billion) unsolicited takeover bid for internet giant Yahoo, the company has shaken up management of its online division.
And reports in the US say the management changes – announced by Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer – prepare the ground for a merge with Yahoo.
The company said former aQuantive chief executive Brian McAndrews – who joined Microsoft when the digital advertising firm was acquired last year – will take expanded roles in the Microsoft Online Services division.
Steve Berkowitz will step down as senior vice-president of the Online Services Group. He will remain with the company, focusing on a smooth transition of the business, until the end of August.
Mr Ballmer also announced the promotion of Satya Nadella to senior vice-president Search Portals & Advertising Group, and Bill Veghte to Senior VP of the Online Services and Windows Business Group.
Analysts in the US say the promotion of Mr McAndrews is significant and that he will most like be the top lieutenant in any Microsoft-Yahoo combination
Microsoft responded saying the raft of changes had nothing to do with the Yahoo bid, and that there had been other senior management changes also announced yesterday that were outside of the Online Services Group.
For more e-Marketing news, click here.
For more Digital Content news, click here.
And reports in the US say the management changes – announced by Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer – prepare the ground for a merge with Yahoo.
The company said former aQuantive chief executive Brian McAndrews – who joined Microsoft when the digital advertising firm was acquired last year – will take expanded roles in the Microsoft Online Services division.
Steve Berkowitz will step down as senior vice-president of the Online Services Group. He will remain with the company, focusing on a smooth transition of the business, until the end of August.
Mr Ballmer also announced the promotion of Satya Nadella to senior vice-president Search Portals & Advertising Group, and Bill Veghte to Senior VP of the Online Services and Windows Business Group.
Analysts in the US say the promotion of Mr McAndrews is significant and that he will most like be the top lieutenant in any Microsoft-Yahoo combination
Microsoft responded saying the raft of changes had nothing to do with the Yahoo bid, and that there had been other senior management changes also announced yesterday that were outside of the Online Services Group.
For more e-Marketing news, click here.
For more Digital Content news, click here.
SCO Group to do a Lazarus
THE SCO Group, which claims ownership of Unix code used in the open source Linux operating system, is on the verge of emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after organising $100 million in new financing.
The company, which is embroiled in a legal action with both IBM and Novell over the ownership of some Unix program code, announced that Stephen Norris Capital Partners and its unnamed partners from the Middle East had agreed to provide up to $100 million in funding to finance a reorganisation plan.
As part of the financing, SNCP will take a controlling interest in the company, while taking it private. The immediate effect of the plan would be to allow SCO to emerge from bankruptcy protection.
The SCO board of director unanimously agreed the financing and plan of reorganisation was in the best long-term interest of the company, as well as its customers, shareholders, creditors and employees.
“Not only will this deal position us to emerge from Chapter 11, but it also marks an exciting future for our business,” SCO president and chief operating officer said Jeff Hunsaker said in a statement.
“This significant financial backing is positive news for SCO's customers, partners and resellers who continue to request upgrades and rely upon SCO's UNIX services to drive their business forward,” Mr Hunsaker said.
SNCP has developed a business plan for SCO that includes unveiling new product lines aimed at global customers. The reorganisation would also allow the company to see SCO's legal claims through to their full conclusion.
“We saw a tremendous investment opportunity in SCO and its vast range of products and services, including many new innovations ready or soon to be ready to be released into the marketplace,” said Stephen Norris, managing partner for SNCP.
For more Open CeBIT news, click here.
The company, which is embroiled in a legal action with both IBM and Novell over the ownership of some Unix program code, announced that Stephen Norris Capital Partners and its unnamed partners from the Middle East had agreed to provide up to $100 million in funding to finance a reorganisation plan.
As part of the financing, SNCP will take a controlling interest in the company, while taking it private. The immediate effect of the plan would be to allow SCO to emerge from bankruptcy protection.
The SCO board of director unanimously agreed the financing and plan of reorganisation was in the best long-term interest of the company, as well as its customers, shareholders, creditors and employees.
“Not only will this deal position us to emerge from Chapter 11, but it also marks an exciting future for our business,” SCO president and chief operating officer said Jeff Hunsaker said in a statement.
“This significant financial backing is positive news for SCO's customers, partners and resellers who continue to request upgrades and rely upon SCO's UNIX services to drive their business forward,” Mr Hunsaker said.
SNCP has developed a business plan for SCO that includes unveiling new product lines aimed at global customers. The reorganisation would also allow the company to see SCO's legal claims through to their full conclusion.
“We saw a tremendous investment opportunity in SCO and its vast range of products and services, including many new innovations ready or soon to be ready to be released into the marketplace,” said Stephen Norris, managing partner for SNCP.
For more Open CeBIT news, click here.
Skilled migrants to provide skills relief
IMMIGRATION Minister Chris Evans has announced an expansion of skilled migration to take some of the inflationary heat out of the employment market.
While the scheme announced by Senator Evans takes broad aim at the mining and construction industries, the measures – which include the expansion of 457 long-stay skilled visas – should also have a positive impact in the ICT sector.
As an immediate measure, the Skilled Migration program will be increased by 6000 places in 2007-08. The increase will be made up of permanent employer-sponsored visas and General Skilled Migration visas.
The additional 6000 places will bring to 108,500 the total number of permanent visas granted under the Skill Stream of the migration program this financial year.
Senator Evans has established an external reference group to investigate skill requirement, including the expansion of the Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa (subclass 457), which allows businesses to recruit skilled labour from overseas for temporary entry to Australia for between three months and four years.
The reference group will advise the Minister on current and anticipated future employment trends and the need for overseas recruitment in the identified sectors.
“The group will provide me with specific advice on ways to ensure the temporary work visa system, also known as the subclass 457 visa program, operates as effectively as possible in contributing to the supply of skilled labour,” Senator Evans said.
Senator Evans said he was also expanding the working holiday visa program to provide relief to Australia businesses. Last financial year there were 126,000 people on working holiday visa in Australia. And the number expected to extend their visa by a year is expected to soar this year by more than 50 per cent to 10,000.
For more Skills Alley News click here.
While the scheme announced by Senator Evans takes broad aim at the mining and construction industries, the measures – which include the expansion of 457 long-stay skilled visas – should also have a positive impact in the ICT sector.
As an immediate measure, the Skilled Migration program will be increased by 6000 places in 2007-08. The increase will be made up of permanent employer-sponsored visas and General Skilled Migration visas.
The additional 6000 places will bring to 108,500 the total number of permanent visas granted under the Skill Stream of the migration program this financial year.
Senator Evans has established an external reference group to investigate skill requirement, including the expansion of the Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa (subclass 457), which allows businesses to recruit skilled labour from overseas for temporary entry to Australia for between three months and four years.
The reference group will advise the Minister on current and anticipated future employment trends and the need for overseas recruitment in the identified sectors.
“The group will provide me with specific advice on ways to ensure the temporary work visa system, also known as the subclass 457 visa program, operates as effectively as possible in contributing to the supply of skilled labour,” Senator Evans said.
Senator Evans said he was also expanding the working holiday visa program to provide relief to Australia businesses. Last financial year there were 126,000 people on working holiday visa in Australia. And the number expected to extend their visa by a year is expected to soar this year by more than 50 per cent to 10,000.
For more Skills Alley News click here.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
IP protection key to export success: Carr
THE Federal Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has launched a national seminar series aimed at reducing risks faced by small businesses in trying to protect their intellectual property when exporting.
Innovation Minister Kim Carr said the seminars, to be conducted in all Australian states and territories between now and the end of the month, were a tool for small businesses unsure of how to protect their intellectual property when venturing overseas.
The ‘IP Passport’ seminars explain how Australian businesses can better protect their valuable IP, including patents, trade marks and designs, before they export their goods and services.
“IP protection overseas can be a minefield for businesses, particularly in Asia” Senator Carr said. “I encourage small businesses to familiarise themselves with the IP laws in export markets so they can effectively manage their IP assets when dealing with overseas business partners.”
Recent research estimates there are over 40 000 exporting businesses, with around 15 per cent of all small to medium enterprises (SMEs) now actively engaged in exporting.
Many SMEs are also moving beyond traditional exporting and importing and are globally engaged through licensing, franchising, strategic alliances and global supply chain. IP can be an integral bargaining chip in negotiating deals to access new markets overseas.
“Intellectual property is something that a business needs to get right from the start if they want to be successful,” IP Australia director general Phillip Noonan said.
“If you make an IP mistake when you first commence exporting, it can be virtually impossible to recover.”
For more Future Parc news click here .
For more Export Alley news, click here.
Innovation Minister Kim Carr said the seminars, to be conducted in all Australian states and territories between now and the end of the month, were a tool for small businesses unsure of how to protect their intellectual property when venturing overseas.
The ‘IP Passport’ seminars explain how Australian businesses can better protect their valuable IP, including patents, trade marks and designs, before they export their goods and services.
“IP protection overseas can be a minefield for businesses, particularly in Asia” Senator Carr said. “I encourage small businesses to familiarise themselves with the IP laws in export markets so they can effectively manage their IP assets when dealing with overseas business partners.”
Recent research estimates there are over 40 000 exporting businesses, with around 15 per cent of all small to medium enterprises (SMEs) now actively engaged in exporting.
Many SMEs are also moving beyond traditional exporting and importing and are globally engaged through licensing, franchising, strategic alliances and global supply chain. IP can be an integral bargaining chip in negotiating deals to access new markets overseas.
“Intellectual property is something that a business needs to get right from the start if they want to be successful,” IP Australia director general Phillip Noonan said.
“If you make an IP mistake when you first commence exporting, it can be virtually impossible to recover.”
For more Future Parc news click here .
For more Export Alley news, click here.
Sun acquire open source Innotek
SUN Microsystems has announced it is to acquire the German open source virtualisation company Innotek, which makes VirtualBox software that lets users more easily run different operating systems on a single box.
The company said that enable developers to more efficiently build, test and run applications on multiple platforms, VirtualBox would extend Sun’s own xVM platform.
Sun did not say how much the stock purchase agreement is worth.
Innotek's open source VirtualBox has had more than four million downloads since January 2007. The product lets desktop or laptop PCs running the Windows, Linux, Mac or Solaris operating systems to run multiple, different operating systems side-by-side, switching between them with a click of the mouse.
This means software developers can more easily build multi-tier or cross-platform applications, or power-users to take advantage of applications that may not be available for their base operating system of choice.
“VirtualBox provides Sun with the perfect complement to our recently announced Sun xVM Server product,” Sun Software executive vice-president Rich Green said.
“Where Sun xVM Server is designed to enable dynamic IT at the heart of the datacentre, VirtualBox is ideal for a laptop or desktop environment.”
The agreement to acquire innotek follows Sun's announcement on January 16 of a definitive agreement to acquire MySQL, the popular open source database.
Sun said the acquisitions reaffirm the company’s status as the largest commercial open source contributor.
For more Open CeBIT news, click here.
The company said that enable developers to more efficiently build, test and run applications on multiple platforms, VirtualBox would extend Sun’s own xVM platform.
Sun did not say how much the stock purchase agreement is worth.
Innotek's open source VirtualBox has had more than four million downloads since January 2007. The product lets desktop or laptop PCs running the Windows, Linux, Mac or Solaris operating systems to run multiple, different operating systems side-by-side, switching between them with a click of the mouse.
This means software developers can more easily build multi-tier or cross-platform applications, or power-users to take advantage of applications that may not be available for their base operating system of choice.
“VirtualBox provides Sun with the perfect complement to our recently announced Sun xVM Server product,” Sun Software executive vice-president Rich Green said.
“Where Sun xVM Server is designed to enable dynamic IT at the heart of the datacentre, VirtualBox is ideal for a laptop or desktop environment.”
The agreement to acquire innotek follows Sun's announcement on January 16 of a definitive agreement to acquire MySQL, the popular open source database.
Sun said the acquisitions reaffirm the company’s status as the largest commercial open source contributor.
For more Open CeBIT news, click here.
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