Digital and telco services company Spark is selling its stake in the Connexa towers business and considering the sale of other non-core assets, as it looks to offset weak consumer spending and business investment. Read...

An Australian mining chief executive took a top spot at CHOGM`s business plenary to talk about how his company is going `real carbon zero` by 2030. Read...

The European Union can be a tough regulatory arena, especially for American tech megacorps. But according to a Microsoft lawyer, Google has been manipulating regulators by creating an “astroturf” group of cloud providers to lobby against Microsoft specifically. It’s a brazen and surprising accusation, directly from one corporation to another. In a lengthy blog post on Microsoft’s official site, the company’s deputy general counsel Rima Alaily accused Google of enticing smaller European cloud computing companies to create a lobbying group “directed and largely funded by Google for the purpose of attacking Microsoft’s cloud computing business in the European Union and the United Kingdom.” Or at least that’s what Microsoft claims it was told by one company that was approached by Google but declined to join the group. The Open Cloud Coalition (PDF) is the group in question, which Microsoft says is essentially a front for Google to attack its competition via regulatory lobbying. Citing the unnamed company that turned Google down, Microsoft accuses Google of essentially starting, funding, and recruiting for the Open Cloud Coalition, hiring third parties for lobbying and communication with the intent to present itself as a minor participating member. The group’s goal, Microsoft alleges, is to undermine Microsoft’s cloud computing and cloud storage offerings in the EU and UK. The blog post stops short of accusing Google of paying other companies to join, but definitely hints at the possibility: “It remains to be seen what Google offered smaller companies to join, either in terms of cash or discounts.” Microsoft points to Google’s recently publicized €470 million offer to CISPE (another European cloud service industry group) to continue its antitrust complaint against Microsoft, which ultimately failed as the parties reached an out-of-court settlement. Alaily goes on to outline Google’s efforts to use courts and regulators against Microsoft in the United States and elsewhere: “We understand Google is a main funder of the U.S.-based Coalition for Fair Software Licensing… The organization is run by a well-known lobbyist for Google in Washington DC, but Google’s affiliation isn’t disclosed publicly by the organization.” Directly accusing a competitor of funding and organizing shadowy lobbying groups is a pretty big stone to throw for Microsoft, and its glass house is pretty vulnerable. According to OpenSecrets, Microsoft and its subsidiaries have spent over $10 million on lobbying every year for the last three years in the US alone, and they’re on track to do so again in 2024. Make no mistake, Microsoft is not above weaponizing political influence against its opponents. But Microsoft is accusing Google of “shadowy campaigns” that obfuscate its involvement and direct influence, and doing so as a result of being under increased regulatory scrutiny in markets around the world. “By our count, there are at least 24 antitrust investigations against Google in the leading digital markets around the world. At a time when Google should be focused on addressing legitimate questions about its business, it is instead turning its vast resources towards tearing down others.” (Here I’ll point out that Microsoft accused Google of being under antitrust scrutiny is not without a bit of historical irony.) The accusations in the blog post don’t quite include anything that could put the company in danger of a civil lawsuit from Google. And even if Google’s involvement in the Open Cloud Coalition is being heavily exaggerated, the former would probably avoid litigious action just as a matter of damage control. But this bit of legal saber-rattling shows that both companies are willing to fight hard — in the conventional market, in lobbying and regulatory circles, and in the court of public opinion — to gain any advantage in the lucrative cloud market. Read...

Running a small business is tough. There are so many tasks that need your attention; campaigns to plan, keeping up to date with your brand messaging, all while ensuring your data is secure. It can feel overwhelming at times, but Google Workspaces has a fully-featured set of tools that can take some of the burdens off your back and let your business flourish. Now, with the latest and improved integration and capabilities of Gemini AI available, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your productivity by working smarter not harder. How Google Workspace and Gemini can help Three of the most important elements of a small business are productivity, communication and security. If any of these three pillars fail, then it can spell disaster. Gemini for Google Workspace can help ensure that doesn’t happen, with powerful features that will speed up work and improve its quality. Productivity Google recently announced that the standalone Gemini app is now part of all Google Workspace Business, Enterprise and Frontline plans. So, you can start experimenting with how this clever technology can make previously time-sapping jobs into ones that take only minutes. Gemini helps with creating task lists, researching subjects, generating images for your presentations, plus much more. Google Thanks to a new Gemini for Google Workspace add-on, those who want the most comprehensive set of AI-tools can get them directly within apps like Google Docs, Gmail, Google Drive, Sheets, and Slides. This makes it even easier to access the features, as you simply click on the Gemini icon to open the side panel and you can use the AI-assistant within a document, presentation, spreadsheet or anything else you’re working on. Say you need blog posts for your website or social media channels, but don’t have time to research and write them. Simply tell Gemini what kind of content you want, how you’d like it laid out and who it’s aimed at. The software will quickly generate ideas and structures which you can look through and ask for adjustments or the inclusion of new ideas or themes. When you’re happy, Gemini can expand the text into full articles that you can use immediately. If you need accompanying images, then Gemini can create those too. There’s also the ability to drag and drop documents you have already created so that Gemini can create presentations or reports using the information. You can add links to YouTube videos that Gemini will then summarise, ask it to research potential new clients, or even help with the planning of a sales campaign for your new services or products. With Gemini for Google Workspace you have an AI-powered assistant that’s always on-hand to make light work of difficult tasks. In fact, recent surveys conducted by Google found that working with built-in Gemini AI across apps such as Gmail, Docs, and Drive, saved users an average of 105 minutes per week, with 75% of daily Gemini for Google Workspace users saying it improved the quality of their work. So, not only were they more productive, they actually created better content. Communication Gemini for Google Workspace can also be a valued addition when it comes to communicating with customers. For example, if you’re approaching a new client and want to get off on the right foot, you can ask Gemini to research the company, products or services, then generate a marketing strategy that explains why you’d be a great fit with them. Google With its Gmail integration, Gemini can also draft introductory letters to new clients, write marketing emails, or create responses to customer service enquiries that avoid you using standard templates that can feel cold and impersonal. With all of these you also have the ability to change the tone and style with just a click. Save the hours that you’ve previously spent dealing with emails and social media duties by handing the bulk of it over to Gemini for Google Workspace. Security Security is at the heart of Gemini for Google Workspace, as Google understands how valuable your data is to your business. To help with the constant pressure of keeping cyberthreats at bay, there’s now a new Security Advisor toolkit that can analyse potential weaknesses in security and offer guidance on how to protect against them. It’s like having a security expert in your organisation that’s always looking for ways to improve the safety of your data. Basically, it’s security made simple. Google You can also use the admin console to decide how Gemini handles your data, with the promise that it will never use the information to train or improve Gemini’s models. Your data is your data, and it always will be. To illustrate this, Gemini for Google Workspace is one of the first generative AI solutions to be awarded SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001, and ISO 27701 certification, which represent some of the highest industry standards for security and privacy. Make your business more productive with Gemini for Google Workspace today There’s no need to spend any more time struggling under the pressure of running your business, instead head over to the Gemini for Google Workspace page and sign up for a trial today. You’ll instantly have access to powerful tools that can improve productivity, quality and the professionalism of your content. With the new security suite, you’ll also know that your data is safe and how to keep it that way. There’s practically no learning curve either, as Gemini integrates with Google’s hugely popular apps, of which you and your team will already be familiar. Perhaps the best asset that you get with Gemini for Google Workspace though isn’t one you’ll find in the spec sheet, as it’s simply time to think and breathe. Precious stuff. You can try the new Gemini AI tools today, with prices starting at $20 per user per month, and make your business smarter and safer without blowing your budget. Read...

TL;DR: Learn Excel from beginner to advanced with 16 courses — for one low price of $29.97 through October 27. If learning Excel has been sitting on your to-do list, now’s the perfect time to dive in. This Microsoft Excel training bundle offers 16 full courses that walk you through everything from building your first spreadsheet to mastering financial forecasting. Whether you’re a complete newbie or already comfortable with Excel, this bundle has something for everyone — hurry and grab it for $29.97 before this sale ends on October 27. This bundle is packed with hundreds of video lessons and exercises that will make you an Excel whiz in no time. You’ll learn how to use Excel for business analysis, create interactive dashboards, and even automate repetitive tasks with VBA macros. And if you’re looking to get into more advanced functions, there are courses that cover dynamic arrays, PivotTables, and even Power Query to transform your data like a pro. From freelancers to seasoned professionals, anyone looking to expand their Excel skills will find value in these courses. With expert instructors who have over 40 years of combined experience, you’re in good hands. Until October 27 at 11:59pm Pacific, get lifetime access to this Microsoft Excel course bundle for $29.97.   The 2024 Ultimate Microsoft Excel Training Bundle – $29.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

TL;DR: This Microsoft bundle includes lifetime access to Office 2019 Professional Plus, Windows 11 Pro, Visio 2019, and Project 2019 for a one-time payment of $71.94 through October 27. Looking to upgrade your PC without the hassle of subscriptions? This Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle is here to deliver serious productivity power. For a one-time purchase, you get lifetime licenses to four essential Microsoft products — designed to streamline everything from document creation to project management. First up, Office 2019 Professional Plus gives you access to essential tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook you never have to worry about paying for again. With improved cloud connectivity and enhanced inking, you can create and collaborate with ease. But it doesn’t stop there. Next is Windows 11 Pro — the operating system that’s as smooth as it is secure. With advanced security features like BitLocker encryption, seamless collaboration tools, an AI-powered assistant called Copilot, and more, it’s perfect for business users or anyone who could benefit from these features. The bundle also includes Visio 2019, which simplifies creating professional diagrams, from flowcharts to floor plans, with easy templates for clear, visual data presentation. Meanwhile, Project 2019 helps you stay on top of your projects with timelines, budgets, and automated tools to keep everything running smoothly. Upgrade your PC without any ongoing costs by hopping on this sale ending October 27 for a Microsoft 2019 lifetime bundle for $71.94.   Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle: Office, Project, Visio and Windows 11 Pro – $71.94 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

Businesses on the iconic street are fed up with the lack of public toilets, with some having to clean up human waste outside their shops each morning. Read...

As challenges in IT and security mount, over half of CIOs plan to modernise infrastructure, prioritising hybrid cloud strategies for enhanced resilience. Read...

Research shows 95% of business travellers in Australia and New Zealand are open to AI for travel, highlighting opportunities for travel managers to innovate. Read...

Prospa has launched new financial tools for SMEs, including Bill Pay and expanded loan limits, to ease the pressures on small business owners in New Zealand. Read...