Seeing in triplicate
Computer interface research centre HIT Lab NZ, at the University of Canterbury, launched its VisionSpace Centre last week. The three-screen stereo projection system is the first of its type in New Zealand.
Stories by Ulrika Hedquist
Peace wins Hawaiian contract
The Hawaiian Electric Company has chosen Peace Software's Peace 8 Customer Information System (CIS) to bill and manage its 400,000 regulated electricity customers on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Lanai and Molokai.
“In adopting a new CIS we set out to move ahead from our mainframe and COBOL days to be able to take advantage of the latest advances in systems, software, integration and data management technology,” says Rick Stuller, CIO of Hawaiian Electric.
Hawaiian Electric Company and its subsidiaries, Hawaii Electric Light Company and Maui Electric Company, provide electricity for 95% of Hawaii’s residents. Established in 1891, Hawaiian Electric is one of few locally owned and operated major companies in the state.
Microsoft discount offer
For the first time in Microsoft New Zealand’s history, the company is offering a 12% discount and a subsidy cheque when customers buy at least five licences for Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition.
Analysis: US government forces .xxx delay
The US government has managed to push the discussion about the proposed .xxx top level domain to the next ICANN meeting, causing a flare up in the debate about who controls the internet.
Invisible computers and augmented reality
Whether you like them or hate them, mobile phones are part of the fabric of society these days, with ownership rates rocketing all around the world.
League is the winner on the day
“Communication is what makes a team strong,” says the coach of the Kiwi rugby league team, Brian McClennan, after leading the Kiwis to victory in the Tri-Nations final last year.
Hacked: 33 .nz websites per month
On average 33 .nz websites are hacked every month, says Ken Low, senior security manager of 3Com Asia Pacific, secure networks vendor.
HP builds commercial team to service enterprise
Hewlett-Packard New Zealand has a new sales strategy for the mid to large business sector and has created a commercial team that will work alongside the sales channel to better engage with both the channel and the customers, says the company.
Mentoring scheme boosts WIT
Women in Technology started in founder Carol Lee Andersen’s lounge in 2001. Today, the organisation has its own offices in Auckland and Wellington, and over 4,000 email members, according to Cheryl Horo, general manager of WIT.
Virtual red-light district up for grabs
In all probability, there will be a final decision about the creation of .xxx TLD at the ICANN meeting in Wellington. ICM Registry, a private company founded in 2000 specifically to seek approval for the .xxx TLD (top level domain), has meet ICANN’s criteria for creating a TLD, according to an ICANN decision in June. Since then ICANN and ICM Registry have been negotiating the contract that would create a virtual red-light district.
Symantec’s Genesis needs ‘always on’ broadband
Security solutions provider Symantec is developing a new security product for consumers and small businesses. The product, code-named Genesis, is an integrated software application that updates continuously online, says Symantec.
Broadband, blokes and other things
Women In Technology (WIT) celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 with organising a panel discussion featuring some of New Zealand’s leading women. The speakers were Valerie Fogg, information services director of Simpson Grierson; Robyn Kamira, advocate, Paua Interface; Prime Minister Helen Clark; Annah Stretton, fashion designer and entrepreneur; Marie-Ann Billings, CEO of Estee Lauder and Annette Presley, director of Slingshot.
Alcatel and Telecom 'married', says Alcatel head
Alcatel’s relationship with Telecom New Zealand goes far beyond the usual customer-vendor pitch. The partnership sees Telecom outsource its entire Next Generation Network platform to Alcatel, tipped to replace the PSTN in the next decade. Alcatel is treating the relationship as a prototype for future deals as well.
Open source preferred in SME sector says study
Open source software is used by 17.5 percent of New Zealand ICT (information and communications technology) companies, according to the 2005 HiGrowth ICT sector survey.
Computer games prepare children for future
Computer games should be part of the school curriculum, because they prepare children for a successful future professional life, according to Marc Prensky, CEO of New York-based business training and software game company games2train.