Stories by Adam Bender

Telstra installs 1000th ADSL2+ 'Top Hat'

Telstra has passed the halfway point in a project to upgrade homes and businesses to ADSL2+ fixed broadband, the telco announced on its blog. The project, which Telstra calls “Top Hat,” places broadband boxes on top of the telco’s existing street-side cabinets.

Victoria offers alms to tech developers

Victoria will give vouchers to technology companies in the state under an $8 million program announced by the Vic Coalition Government.

Telstra Super runs analytics on 100,000 members

Telstra Super adopted a business intelligence tool from Tableau Software to analyse 22 years of member data, Tableau said.

Melbourne businesses to get Optus 4G 15 September

Optus will launch 4G services for Melbourne businesses and consumers on 15 September, the telco said, with its 4G network now open for Sydney, Perth and Newcastle consumers, following launches of 4G business services there.

Hitachi increases focus on big data, 'social innovation'

Hitachi is trying to expand beyond storage services to tackle emerging areas like big data and converged IT, according to Hitachi Data Systems CTO, Hu Yoshida. The change reflects a recent change in leadership in the larger company, Hitachi, Ltd., he said.

ACS teams with deans to make ICT education sexy

Nudging Australian students toward ICT careers is a major goal of a new partnership between the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the Australian Council of Deans of Information and Communications Technology (ACDICT).

More layoffs at Telstra

Telstra confirmed redundancies in its display advertising team, the Telstra Advertising Network (TAN). The job cuts are a result of a Telstra agreement with Multi Channel Network (MCN), a Telstra spokesperson said.

Windows Phone users can now access Westpac mobile banking

Westpac has added Windows Phone support for its mobile banking service, the company said. The service already supported Android and Apple devices.

Salesforce.com launches social media pilot for enterprises

Salesforce.com hopes to bring social media into the enterprise with the launch of Salesforce Communities.

Optus sending usage alerts to prevent bill shock

Optus will start sending SMS text alerts to customers about data usage one year before required under the Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) code. Vodafone to follow by year end.

Optus assists Westpac on NFC payment pilot

Optus and Westpac have teamed up for a contactless payment pilot project using Android phones with near-field communications capability. French company Oberthur Technologies has provided its trusted service manager platform for the project.

NBN seeks to bridge urban, rural legal services

Communications minister Stephen Conroy and Attorney-General Nicola Roxon announced $400,000 for the first round of successful applicants to share the NBN legal assistance partnerships.

Last day for Telstra’s older 3G network

Telstra has announced it will shutter its older 3G network technology tomorrow, 31 August, bringing its 3GIS network to an imminent demise.

Holmesglen TAFE adapts ICT plan amid 'massive' budget cuts in Victoria

State budget cuts and reduced numbers of international students have forced the Holmesglen TAFE to recalibrate ICT practices, according to Holmesglen manager technology services, Paul Abschinski.

Woolworths staff equipped with iPads, Google Apps

Woolworths is using iPads and Google Apps for Business at its grocery stores to increase collaboration and streamline support to headquarters.