Victoria Fox's Blog, page 130

Digitalization in healthcare: You know each other, you just do it now

Ms. B. is not allowed to speak. At least not about her part-time job. Could it possibly be a problem that she works for the health department and at the same time for a company that sells software to the department? Ms. B. is friendly and obliging on the phone, just as a citizen would want an employee in the health department to be. But she doesn’t provide any information about her work at Mikroprojekt GmbH. The company earns several million euros by selling software to the health authorities in Rhineland-Palatinate. Software that endangered citizens’ data. Mikroprojekt has just received a new public contract worth millions – without any tendering.

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Intel accelerates the race to manufacture cutting-edge chips

Technological leadership, now in the hands of TSMC, depends on the ability to produce increasingly smaller processors. The company will make chips for Microsoft.

Intel deploys its artillery in the battle it is fighting with the Taiwanese TSMC and the South Korean Samsung in the manufacture of cutting-edge chips.

The American multinational has unveiled a new roadmap that contemplates the commercialization in 2026 of a more advanced manufacturing node, called 14A, although it has not shared any further details. The company has revealed that it plans to develop a new node every two years.

The announcement reaffirms the group’s commitment to regain technological leadership in chip manufacturing. Intel, which was historically at the forefront of the chip miniaturization race , was displaced by TSMC by failing to adopt extreme ultraviolet lithography technology in time to make smaller node chips. The smaller the transistors on a chip, the lower its power consumption and the higher its speed.

The American multinational embarked on an aggressive plan to reverse the situation and put five manufacturing nodes on the market in four years , thus overtaking TSMC in the race to produce chips of 2 or less nanometers.

This drive is fundamental for Intel’s aspirations in the chip manufacturing business for third parties (Intel Foundry ), where it has made heavy investments, including a factory of more than 30,000 million euros in Germany.

Intel assures that it is fulfilling its roadmap . Its Intel 3 processor, which offers performance and power efficiency comparable to 3-nanometer chips, “is already in high-volume manufacturing,” says Craig Orr, Intel’s general manager of marketing and product.

Orr explains that the company is “following the planned plans” regarding nodes 20A and 18A . Your factory customers can now start designing chips based on this last node. Production will start this year, so that the first chips will be on the market in 2025. With this, it hopes to snatch technological leadership from TSMC.

Intel closed four chip manufacturing deals with 1.8 nanometer technology last year. Today, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft , announced that the company will produce one of its chips using this cutting-edge Intel process.

Intel Foundry earned $952 million last year, compared to $469 million in 2022. Operating losses were $482 million. The contribution remains small, since Intel had a turnover of $54,228 million in 2023.

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Netex achieves a 3.5 million contract with PwC for a megaproject in the Middle East

Netex, the Galician online training firm listed on the BME Growth since 2017, has signed a strategic agreement with PwC to develop a megaproject of training services and customized content in the Middle East.

The contract signed between the Galician online training technology firm and the consulting firm is valued at 3.8 million dollars (about 3.5 million euros at the exchange rate) and has a duration of three years .

This operation “is part of the

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Trial in London: Three scenarios of what could happen next for Julian Assange

The direct and indirect legal tug of war surrounding WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been going on for more than 13 years – and it has long been about what the 52-year-old Australian feared for a long time, even before a corresponding request was known: his Delivery to the USA.

Assange faces high penalties there: he will have to answer a total of 18 charges there, including for publishing secret information about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and hundreds of thousands of documents from the US diplomatic corps from all over the world. The non-US citizen Assange is to be charged under the Espionage Act of 1917, also known as the Espionage Act; the founder of the disclosure platform WikiLeaks faces up to 175 years in prison if convicted.

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Orange and MásMóvil are preparing their merger after obtaining the green light from Brussels

The European Commission has approved the merger of Orange and MásMóvil, creating Spain’s leading group by customers, surpassing Telefónica for the first time. Two years after the initial announcement of the agreement, on March 9, 2022, the Community Executive has approved the operation, although it is subject to the already known remedies. Both parties will become a leading operator by combining the assets, capabilities and equipment of the two companies in Spain to serve more than 7.3 million broadband customers, more than 30 million mobile services and more than 2.2 millions of television customers.

The Joint Venture will become a stronger operator with estimated revenues of more than 7.4 billion euros and an ebitdaAL of more than 2.3 billion euros, with an enterprise value of 18.6 billion and expected synergies of more than 450 million euros recurring each year (starting from the fourth year after the closing of the operation).

As part of the package of proposed remedies, the parties have agreed to transfer to Digi, 60MHz of spectrum (pending approval by the Spanish Government) and an optional national roaming agreement, as EXPANSIÓN announced on December 12.

In the words of Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange : “Today’s announcement marks a decisive moment for the Group in Europe. Our Joint Venture proposal with MASMOVIL will create a unique, stronger and more sustainable player in Spain. By joining forces, we can have on a larger scale, we can innovate and we can drive investment in the networks of the future for the benefit of consumers and businesses.

Meinrad Spenger, CEO of MásMóvil , added: “Good things take a long time to come! We are delighted to assume a relevant role in the telecommunications sector in Spain. Our exceptional team is committed to creating a unified and differential company, capable of generating impact positive and to offer a trustworthy service to continue having the most satisfied customers in Spain”.

official statement

The EC has released a statement in which it points out that “under the protection of the EU Merger Regulation, the proposal to create a joint company between Orange and MásMóvil. The approval is conditional on full compliance with a package of commitments offered by Orange and MásMóvil.

Today’s decision follows an in-depth investigation of the proposed transaction. Orange is a full mobile network operator while MásMóvil is a hybrid mobile network operator. MásMóvil depends on its own mobile network, which does not cover the entire Spanish territory, and on a national roaming agreement with Orange to provide retail mobile services. There are two other mobile network operators active in Spain ( Telefónica and Vodafone ). There are also several mobile virtual network operators (“MVNOs”) that use the infrastructure of mobile network operators to offer mobile retail services to consumers. Digi is the largest MVNO in Spain.

The Commission’s investigation

During its in-depth investigation, the Commission collected extensive information and received comments from market participants and other interested parties. Following its investigation, the Commission was concerned that the transaction, as initially notified, would restrict competition in the retail markets for the supply of fixed and mobile Internet services in Spain, whether offered independently or in packages .

In particular, the Commission concluded that: The transaction will create the largest operator by number of customers in Spain, with a significant increase in market share in all relevant retail markets.

Orange and MásMóvil are direct competitors in the Spanish retail markets for the supply of mobile and fixed internet services. MásMóvil has been making very competitive offers and has been growing over the years. Its main brands, Yoigo and MásMóvil, have attracted a significant number of Orange customers in Spain. Therefore, the transaction would eliminate a close and important competitor. The transaction may also have caused significant price increases for consumers in Spain, well above 10%. Any efficiencies the transaction might have created, such as cost savings or incremental deployment of 5G or fiber, would not have offset the significant anti-competitive effects of the transaction.

The medicines

To address the Commission’s competition concerns , Orange and MásMóvil committed to:

Transfer spectrum held by MásMóvil to Digi in three frequency spectrum bands, two medium frequency bands (1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz) and one high frequency band (3.5 GHz). The mobile spectrum to be sold will allow Digi to build its own mobile network and put strong competitive pressure on the joint venture; and includes an optional national roaming agreement, which Digi can decide to use or not. The possibility of using the joint venture’s network will complement Digi ‘s own network, which Digi will begin to deploy with the use of the transferred spectrum. This option is essential given that, like the current MásMóvil network, Digi ‘s future mobile network would probably not cover all of Spain. As the national roaming agreement is optional , Digi will be free to stay with its current wholesale provider ( Telefónica ) or choose another mobile network operator in Spain (i.e. the joint venture or Vodafone ).

Today’s decision also approves Digi as taking corrective action following a careful review of Digi ‘s business plan with the help of an independent advisor. Digi is a suitable buyer for the spectrum sold, as it is currently the largest and fastest growing MVNO in Spain. Digi also has experience as a mobile network operator in other EU Member States, such as Romania. Additionally, Digi has a relatively large fixed broadband (fiber) network in Spain, which it continues to build. Consequently, the commitments do not include any fixed broadband assets.

Having gathered feedback from a wide range of market participants during a market test of the proposed commitments, the Commission concluded that they fully address the competition issues identified and will preserve a competitive telecommunications market in Spain, both in terms of price and of quality, as well as in terms of deployment of the 5G network, for the benefit of consumers.

Therefore, the Commission concluded that the proposed transaction, as modified by the commitments, would no longer raise competition concerns. The decision is conditional on full compliance with the commitments. Under the supervision of the Commission , an independent administrator will oversee its implementation.”

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Allurity buys cybersecurity firm in Germany

Allurity, the pan-European group of cybersecurity firms that owns the Spanish Aiuken Cybersecurity , has bought the German company Security Research Labs (SRLabs) , a cybersecurity consultancy based in Berlin and Hong Kong that provides services to clients in 21 countries. The Allurity group is promoted by the Swedish venture capital fund Trill Impact.

This is the eighth company Allurity has acquired in the sector in the last two years. To SRLabs we must add the Swedish Arctic Group, ID North and Pulsen IAM , the Danish CSIS , the Spanish Aiuken Cybersecurity , the Portuguese Cloud Computing and the Swiss Securix.

With these purchases, the Allurity group becomes one of the 10 largest cybersecurity companies in Europe by geographic presence, turnover and profits, with approximate revenues of 100 million euros, and thus taking a step in its objective of becoming the largest European cybersecurity company and compete with the global giants of the US and China.

According to Frida Westerberg, CEO of Allurity , “this strategic acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision of becoming the preferred partner for technology-enabled cybersecurity services in Europe, expanding our global impact and enabling a secure digital world.”

In September 2022, the Swedish venture capital fund Trill Impact, backed by the Scandinavian bank Nordea , acquired 100% of the capital of the Spanish firm, which has Juan Miguel Velasco , one of the founders, as CEO. The purchase of Aiuken allowed the integration of the Spanish company into the pan-European group Allurity. The purchase of Aiuken was valued at around 50 million euros. Trill Impact is a fund aimed at supporting investments that drive positive social impacts and sustainable development goals (ESG). The fund created a pan-European cybersecurity group with a presence in different countries, called Allurity , in which Aiuken was integrated.

For Juan Miguel Velasco, CEO of Aiuken Cybersecurity and member of the board of directors of Allurity, “with this purchase we are stronger at a European and international level, and it opens the doors to us, especially in Asia, a market in which we have to be , since it will grow at rates close to 20% between now and 2028 and will move an amount of money of approximately 80,000 million euros in the same period.”

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With checkbook and alliances: This is how Saudi Arabia wants to become a new world technology center

Alat, the company created by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund earlier this year, has announced that it is partnering with Softbank, Carrier, Dahua and Tahakom and will invest 100 billion to improve technological capabilities in the Kingdom by 2030.

Saudi Arabia wants to be on the technological map. And he wants to have a prominent position. At the beginning of February, the prince of the Kingdom and the president of the board of directors of the country’s sovereign fund (Public Investment Fund, PIF), Mohammed bin Salman, announced the launch of Alat, a new technology that was born with the objective of ” to create a world-class manufacturing hub in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Today, the new technology company has announced another step towards its goal through four collaborations, with Softbank Group, Carrier Corporation, Dahua Technology and Tahakom. During the Mobile World Congress being held next week in Barcelona, the company intends to announce a fifth alliance.

Likewise, the Saudi sovereign fund company has also announced its plans to invest $100 billion by 2030 to improve the capabilities of the technology sector. In addition, they affirm, it will seek to benefit the private sector and its commercial environment through its commercial and associative systems with the main international technology manufacturers.

Collaborations

Specifically, Amit Midha, recently appointed Global CEO of Alat, and former Dell executive, has indicated that thanks to the partnership with Softbank , an advanced industrial automation business will be established in Saudi Arabia . This business will manufacture innovative industrial robots. The partners will invest up to $150 million to create a fully automated manufacturing and engineering center that will meet both local and global demand. This manufacturing plant will be operational by December 2024.

For its part, through the alliance with Carrier Corporation , a climate and smart energy solutions company, it will develop an advanced manufacturing and R&D facility with the aim of decarbonizing emissions in buildings and increasing their energy efficiency. With the agreement, it is expected that more than 5,000 jobs will be created in the region.

In the case of Dahua Technology, a security manufacturer, it will begin manufacturing technological products in the region through a new joint venture with Alat. This initiative will focus on producing and marketing security and surveillance solutions applicable in smart cities, smart buildings and enterprise applications. Alat and Dahua Technology will invest $500 million to develop a global business focused on artificial intelligence . These devices will be developed in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.

And finally, through the Saudi Arabian Technology and Security Comprehensive Control Company (Tahakom), Alat will manufacture smart city and mobility solutions.

In this way, Saudi Arabia seeks to make a place for itself on the map of the world’s largest technology companies, since as stated in its presentation, they aspire to be a global center for the manufacturing of advanced technologies and electronics in a sustainable way.

In total it has seven strategic business units: advanced industries and semiconductors, smart home appliances, health, smart devices and buildings, and next-generation infrastructure. First of all, it will manufacture products from 34 categories in seven business units , each of them led by recognized experts in the technology industry.

At its head is the president of the board of directors of the sovereign fund and also prime minister, Mohammed bin Salman, whose intention is to attract investment to his country’s technology sector. And as CEO Alat chose former Dell Technologies executive Amit Midha.

In total, it is estimated that Alat will allow the creation of 39,000 direct jobs in Saudi Arabia and that its contribution to non-oil GDP will amount to 9.3 billion dollars in 2030.

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The owner of Tiendeo buys Ofertia from the French company La Poste

ShopFully takes over the assets of the digital catalog company, which is changing hands for the third time.

New stage for the online catalog firm Ofertia , born in Barcelona in 2011. The Italian company ShopFully has bought the assets of the business, including its brand, website and mobile application, from the French postal giant La Poste , which manages

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WikiLeaks founder: Hearing on Assange's extradition to USA has begun

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What may be the final hearing on the extradition of Julian Assange to the USA has begun in London. The WikiLeaks founder hopes to be able to appeal again against his threatened rendition. A previously rejected application for this was to be reconsidered at the two-day hearing in the High Court.

Assange did not personally attend the meeting. According to his lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald, he felt unwell. Fitzgerald said his client was being prosecuted for “ordinary journalistic practice.”

Supporters demonstrated outside the London court for his release. “Freedom for Julian Assange” was written on posters, as the British news agency PA reported. “There is only one decision: no deportation!” were chants. Hundreds of gold ribbons reading “Release Julian Assange now!” were also hanging on the fence in front of the High Court and on surrounding gates and trees.

At the two-day hearing, Assange wants to defend himself against extradition to the USA. It is the last possible appeal. In the event of a rejection, Assange would only have to go to the European Court of Human Rights. In June, the United Kingdom Supreme Court in London rejected his application to appeal against the British government’s extradition decision.

The US wants to bring the 52-year-old WikiLeaks founder to trial for publishing secret documents and violating anti-espionage laws. He faces life imprisonment and the sentence is 175 years.

Assange and his supporters criticize his prosecution as politically motivated because Assange had published politically explosive data: Together with whistleblower Chelsea Manning, he had published secret material from US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The USA accuses him of endangering the lives of US informants. His supporters, however, see him as an investigative journalist who has brought war crimes to light.

What may be the final hearing on the extradition of Julian Assange to the USA has begun in London. The WikiLeaks founder hopes to be able to appeal again against his threatened rendition. A previously rejected application for this was to be reconsidered at the two-day hearing in the High Court.

Assange did not personally attend the meeting. According to his lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald, he felt unwell. Fitzgerald said his client was being prosecuted for “ordinary journalistic practice.”

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Data theft: Lockbit hacker group smashed in international police operation

The Lockbit hacker group, responsible for data theft and blackmail, has been dismantled in an international police operation. This was announced by the British National Crime Agency (NCA).

A message was displayed on the hackers’ website. “This site is now under the control of the National Crime Agency, which works closely with the FBI and the international law enforcement unit ‘Operation Cronos,'” it said. In addition to Europol, the US FBI and law enforcement authorities from Germany, France, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland were involved in the international operation.

A spokesman told Sky News that the action was still ongoing. A Lockbit representative said via an encrypted messaging app that the group had backup servers that were not affected by law enforcement.

Lockbit could come from Russia

The criminal group Lockbit, together with hired hackers from other groups, had hacked some of the world’s largest companies in recent months, including the postal service provider Royal Mail in Great Britain at the beginning of 2023. Lockbit makes money by stealing sensitive data and blackmailing them into sharing that data unless victims pay a ransom. According to the US cybersecurity agency Cisa, Lockbit has attacked at least 1,700 US organizations since 2020.

According to media reports, the Lockbit software appeared on Russian-language forums in 2020, leading some analysts to believe that the group came from Russia. On its darknet website, which is now controlled by authorities, the group, based in the Netherlands, said it was apolitical and only interested in money.

The Lockbit hacker group, responsible for data theft and blackmail, has been dismantled in an international police operation. This was announced by the British National Crime Agency (NCA).

A message was displayed on the hackers’ website. “This site is now under the control of the National Crime Agency, which works closely with the FBI and the international law enforcement unit ‘Operation Cronos,'” it said. In addition to Europol, the US FBI and law enforcement authorities from Germany, France, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland were involved in the international operation.

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