Stories by Sim Ahmed

Careers 2013: Tech roles in hot demand

New Zealand businesses have been struggling to fill technology roles. Despite a challenging economic environment for the last three years, the number of skilled IT workers in New Zealand is still a concern says Paul Matthews, CEO of the Institute of IT Professionals.

Review: Looks like wet soap, grunts like a beast

My relationship with Samsung's Note line of products has been fraught since day one. I dismissed the original Galaxy Note phone (or phablet depending on how much you hate the English language) for performing so poorly with its killer feature - the stylus.

App review: Here for iOS

Much has been made of Apple’s Maps app. The company that could do no wrong managed to put Bondi Beach in the middle of Auckland, among other humorous stuff ups, with its replacement of Google Maps in iOS6. It’s safe to say I, and others, have some trust issues with Apple’s maps.

Review: iPad Mini, one for the kids

It’s hard for me to imagine situations where Apple’s current range of iPads are considered too large. The iPad Mini was launched in November to fit the demands of those who could.

TeamTalk boss on the changing telco environment

David Ware started Wellington-based mobile radio company TeamTalk in 1994. The privately owned business is now an ISP through its subsidiaries Citylink, Araneo, and the impending acquistion of Farmside for $42.1 million (subject to shareholder approval in December). The group employs around 100 staff, mostly working out of Wellington. Sim Ahmed talks to Ware about his company, New Zealand telecommunications, and where he sees the industry evolving.

Virtual runway tests programming mettle

Programming prowess, design aptitude, and a way with flight control algorithms won the top prize for a group of four programmers and designers at the first Hacktivate coding competition.

App review: Cue

If you're anything like me you spend the first part of your morning organising your calendar and slotting in your appointments for the day.

Dimension Data kiosk report released

A security report warning the Ministry of Social Development last year of potential failings in its WINZ kiosks has been released under the Official Information Act.

App review: Google Drive for Android

At the beginning of October Fairfax Media (which owns Computerworld) moved its productivity environment from Microsoft Office to Google Apps for Enterprise.

Review: Cheap and not so cheerful

The Huawei Ascend Y201 is a business phone for the financially constrained. At $279 RRP, it's a nifty little phone with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), near field communication (NFC), and a micro-SD slot - but despite this there's very little to be excited about.

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