Author: Nicholas Kinports

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Brief Overview

• TAFE NSW is committing $22 million for an upgrade to the S/4 HANA ERP system.
• This upgrade is essential as the existing SAP ECC 6.0 platform is nearing its end-of-life by 2027.
• The upcoming system will operate on SAP’s private cloud powered by Azure.
• TAFE NSW has obtained a $12.9 million contract for S/4 HANA licences spanning three years.
• A $7.6 million agreement has been made for integration and implementation services.
• An extra $1.4 million has been designated for SAP professional services.
• TAFE NSW has also entered into a $34 million agreement with Microsoft and revised a Dell contract to $57.5 million.

TAFE NSW’s ERP Enhancement Strategy

Reasons for the Upgrade

TAFE NSW, a leading institution in vocational education, is making a significant $22 million investment to upgrade its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The existing SAP ECC 6.0 platform is scheduled to reach its end-of-life by 2027, making this transition crucial for consistent operations.

Journey to S/4 HANA

The transition plan involves shifting from SAP ECC 6.0 to S/4 HANA, which will be hosted on SAP’s Azure-driven private cloud. This upgrade is enabled through RISE with SAP, an all-encompassing package that integrates cloud infrastructure, software, and managed services.

Investment Insights

TAFE NSW has entered into a three-year contract valued at $12.9 million for S/4 HANA licences. Moreover, a contract worth $7.6 million has been finalized for integration and implementation services, with SAP as the collaborating partner. An additional allocation of $1.4 million is designated for professional services to facilitate this transition.

Supporting Agreements

Partnerships with Microsoft and Dell

Alongside the ERP upgrade, TAFE NSW has concluded a $34 million agreement for Microsoft software licences and Azure cloud infrastructure, extending to 2028. The current master contract with Dell has also been revised upward to $57.5 million, to ensure comprehensive IT assistance.

Conclusion

TAFE NSW is systematically upgrading its ERP system to S/4 HANA, investing $22 million to sustain crucial business functions. This initiative forms part of a wider IT enhancement effort, including significant commitments to Microsoft and Dell.

Q: What is the reason behind TAFE NSW’s ERP system upgrade?

A: The current SAP ECC 6.0 platform is nearing its end-of-life by 2027, making it necessary to transition for stable and supported operations.

Q: What does RISE with SAP entail?

A: RISE with SAP is an integrated offering that merges cloud infrastructure, software, and managed services into a cohesive subscription model, enabling the transition to S/4 HANA.

Q: What is the duration of the S/4 HANA licence contract?

A: TAFE NSW has secured a three-year contract for S/4 HANA licences, amounting to $12.9 million.

Q: What other IT agreements has TAFE NSW established?

A: TAFE NSW has signed a $34 million agreement with Microsoft for software licences and Azure cloud infrastructure, and modified a Dell contract to $57.5 million.

Quick Read

• Four individuals below the age of 21 apprehended for cyberattacks on UK retail sectors.
• M&S experienced a major ransomware assault, halting services for several weeks.
• The cyberattacks are thought to have ties to a group named DragonForce.
• The chairman of M&S supports obligatory reporting of cyber incidents.
• The investigation required collaboration with global entities like the FBI.

Cyberattacks Targeting UK Retailers: Arrests Executed

In a notable development, UK authorities have apprehended four individuals, all under 21, linked to cyberattacks that significantly disrupted prominent UK retailers including Marks & Spencer (M&S), the Co-op, and Harrods. The detentions were executed by Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA), focusing on individuals involved in a series of organized ransomware attacks.

M&S: Most Profound Impact from Ransomware Incident

The ransomware incident affecting M&S, a major name in British retail, was particularly detrimental. It compelled the retailer to cease online clothing sales for nearly seven weeks, leading to an operational loss estimated at around 300 million pounds ($618 million). This incident highlights the susceptibility of even established enterprises to advanced cyber threats.

Arrest Details

The detainees include three males aged 19, 19, and 17, along with a 20-year-old female, apprehended in the West Midlands and London areas of England. They are facing charges under the Computer Misuse Act, along with allegations of blackmail, money laundering, and participation in organized crime. The NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit is currently questioning the suspects to uncover the full extent of their actions.

Global Cooperation and Connections to DragonForce

M&S chairman Archie Norman revealed discussions with the US FBI regarding the case, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation in addressing cybercrime. Investigations indicate connections to “loosely aligned parties” operating under the dominion of a group called DragonForce, underscoring the intricate and worldwide nature of cyber threats confronting businesses today.

Advocacy for Essential Reporting

In response to these incidents, Norman has advocated for legislation requiring businesses to report substantial cyberattacks, observing that various significant occurrences have remained unreported. This push seeks to promote transparency and strengthen the overall cybersecurity framework of UK companies.

Restoration and Future Projections

Following an extended hiatus, M&S reinstated online orders on June 10, although click-and-collect services are still unavailable. CEO Stuart Machin assured investors that the company anticipates recovering from the ramifications of the incident by August, concentrating on bolstering their cybersecurity structures to avert future breaches.

Summary

The recent detentions in the UK emphasize the persistent peril of cybercrime confronting retailers globally. With notable financial impacts and international collaboration in investigations, the situation highlights the necessity for comprehensive cybersecurity precautions and transparent reporting to protect businesses against prospective attacks.

Q: What was the effect of the cyberattack on M&S?

A: The ransomware incident caused M&S to halt online clothing sales for nearly seven weeks, leading to an operational loss of around 300 million pounds ($618 million).

Q: Who are the individuals detained in relation to the cyberattacks?

A: The detainees consist of three males aged 19, 19, and 17, plus a 20-year-old female, detained in the West Midlands and London areas.

Q: What is DragonForce, and how do they relate to the attacks?

A: DragonForce is suspected to be a group orchestrating the “loosely aligned parties” involved in the cyberattacks, with their specific role currently under scrutiny.

Q: Why is there a push for obligatory reporting of cyberattacks?

A: M&S chairman Archie Norman advocates for mandatory reporting to enhance transparency and improve cybersecurity tactics, as various significant attacks have not been reported.

Q: How is M&S progressing in recovery from the cyberattack?

A: M&S has reinstated online orders and aims for full recovery by August, while concentrating on improving their cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents.

Hisense’s Groundbreaking Release in Australia

Prepare to rearrange your living space, as Hisense has unveiled its most daring TVs to date in Australia. We’re discussing impressively large screens, packed with cutting-edge display technology designed to amaze. The 2025 UX Series showcases the gigantic 116-inch (116UX) and the also substantial 100-inch (100UX) RGB-MiniLED TVs, establishing a new standard for upscale home entertainment.

Quick Overview

• The Hisense 116-inch RGB-MiniLED TV comes with a price tag of A$39,999.
• RGB-MiniLED technology ensures exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.
• The 116UX model boasts over 10,000 dimming zones and an impressive brightness peak of 8,000 nits.
• Both models feature AI 4K upscaling and Anti-Reflection PRO technology.
• Equipped with a built-in 6.2.2 CineStage X surround sound system from Opéra de Paris | Devialet.
• Launches in September 2025 at select retailers across Australia.

RGB-MiniLED: Establishing New Viewing Benchmarks

Hisense’s RGB-MiniLED technology is heralded as the most sophisticated backlight system in the television sector, signifying a major advancement in TV backlighting. It’s crafted to provide extraordinary brightness, contrast, and color accuracy that’s genuinely remarkable.

Unlike conventional MiniLEDs that typically utilize a single white light source along with color filters, Hisense’s innovative method employs dedicated red, green, and blue MiniLEDs. This design facilitates a more authentic output and allows the TVs to achieve up to 95% of the BT.2020 color gamut, ensuring a genuine cinema-like entertainment experience. This enhanced light management results in unmatched color accuracy and contrast, delivering deeper blacks, more vivid colors, and dazzling peak performance.

The 116UX, the flagship model, features an astonishing 10,000+ color dimming zones and can reach up to 8,000 nits of peak brightness. This is fundamentally ideal for capturing even the finest details in both the brightest highlights and the darkest shadows across its expansive screen. Not to be outdone, the 100UX still offers an impressive 5,000 nits of peak brightness.

Crafted To Impress, Engineered To Anticipate

Beyond the breathtaking visuals, the UX series is equipped with technology intended to create a wholly immersive experience. The robust Hi-View AI Engine X is included, along with Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced certification, ensuring top-notch picture quality.

AI 4K upscaling guarantees that your content looks its finest, even if it isn’t native 4K.

Anti-Reflection PRO technology eliminates bothersome glares and reflections, ensuring stunning clarity even in well-lit rooms, which is ideal for many Australian living environments.

The UX Series is also supported by Hisense’s exclusive operating system, VIDAA U9, promising a smooth and intuitive smart TV experience. Despite their vast screen sizes, both the 116UX and 100UX remain surprisingly slim, measuring under 40mm and 37mm thick respectively, enabling them to fit seamlessly into contemporary interiors.

Immersive Audio to Complement Exceptional Cinema

Visuals are merely part of the equation for a fully immersive home theater, and Hisense has not compromised on audio quality. The 116UX is outfitted with a robust built-in 6.2.2 CineStage X surround sound system.

Tuned in collaboration with Opéra de Paris | Devialet, this partnership guarantees an outstanding auditory experience, with a sound profile crafted to impress.

The easily visible side speakers, inspired by the architecture of La Défense with their harp-like design, contribute to a completely immersive audio field, generating an impressive surround sound environment. Featuring Dolby Atmos and spatial sound design, the 2025 UX collection delivers expansive, room-filling audio that envelops the listener and corresponds precisely with on-screen actions.

Whether capturing the softest whisper or the roar of a crowd, every sound is produced with clarity, transforming your living room into a true home theater.

Pricing and Availability

Ready to splurge? The Hisense 116-inch RGB-MiniLED TV (116UX) will retail for A$39,999, while the 100-inch RGB-MiniLED TV (100UX) will cost A$22,999. Both models are projected to be available from September 2025 at select top home entertainment retailers.

For additional details, visit hisense.com.au

Overview

Hisense is transforming luxury home entertainment with its new 116-inch RGB-MiniLED TV, showcasing cutting-edge display and audio technologies. Featuring pioneering RGB-MiniLED backlighting, the UX Series provides unparalleled brightness, color accuracy, and immersive sound, setting a fresh benchmark for consumer televisions. Set to launch in Australia in September 2025, these models target luxury consumers.

Q: What distinguishes the Hisense 116UX TV?

A: The Hisense 116UX TV stands out due to its RGB-MiniLED technology, which offers enhanced brightness, contrast, and color accuracy compared to conventional MiniLEDs.

Q: How does RGB-MiniLED technology enhance the viewing experience?

A: RGB-MiniLED technology employs dedicated red, green, and blue LEDs for a more authentic output, achieving up to 95% of the BT.2020 color gamut, resulting in a genuine cinema-like experience.

Q: What audio capabilities does the 116UX provide?

A: The 116UX features a 6.2.2 CineStage X surround sound system, fine-tuned with Opéra de Paris | Devialet, including Dolby Atmos and spatial sound architecture for a rich audio experience.

Q: Is the Hisense UX Series appropriate for brightly lit rooms?

A: Yes, the Anti-Reflection PRO technology ensures remarkable clarity even in bright conditions, making it ideal for Australian living spaces.

Q: When will the Hisense UX Series be released in Australia?

A: The Hisense UX Series will launch in September 2025 at select top home entertainment retailers.