Matthew Miller, Author at Techbest - Top Tech Reviews In Australia - Page 2 of 96

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Review


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Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 – Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation – Bluetooth Headphones – Peony

Department of Industry Revamps Its Comprehensive ERP System


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Department of Industry Overhauls ERP System Strategy

Brief Overview

  • The Department of Industry plans to assess its entire ERP framework in line with a contract renewal.
  • The current ERP system utilizes software from six various vendors.
  • A strategic assessment aims to possibly substitute ancillary systems for improved integration.
  • The TechnologyOne contract is set to expire in August 2026.
  • The assessment could result in a more streamlined vendor strategy.

ERP System Assessment in Progress

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources in Australia is undertaking a thorough assessment of its enterprise resource planning (ERP) framework, coinciding with the mid-year renewal of its contract with TechnologyOne. This move is crucial as the department readies for the contract’s expiration in August 2026, igniting discussions regarding possible changes and enhancements to their existing ERP infrastructure.

Present ERP Landscape

Department of Industry assesses its comprehensive ERP system

The federal department currently utilizes software from six distinct vendors to oversee its ERP functions, concentrating mainly on internal finance and HR. The suite comprises TechnologyOne, Expense8, Aurion, Accendre (for HireRoad and eLearning), IBM Planning Analytics (TM1), and BluePrism for robotic process automation.

Goals of the Strategic Assessment

Considering the intricacy and essential nature of ERP systems, the department is expected to retain its primary enterprise software platform. Instead, the assessment intends to investigate opportunities for integrating native components to replace certain ancillary systems, likely diminishing the number of vendors and simplifying skillset demands.

Official Statement

A representative of the department refrained from divulging specific details about the assessment, citing an “open market approach.” Nevertheless, they assured that current ERP systems are maintained under enterprise arrangements.

Conclusion

The Department of Industry’s ERP assessment signifies a strategic initiative to possibly streamline its vendor landscape and improve system integration. With the TechnologyOne contract nearing renewal, the department is ready to make informed decisions that could result in more efficient operations.

Questions & Answers

Q: What prompts the Department of Industry to assess its ERP system?

A: The assessment seeks to review the current ERP configuration and explore possibilities for enhanced integration and vendor reduction ahead of the TechnologyOne contract expiration.

Q: Which software is currently utilized by the department within its ERP stack?

A: The department employs software from TechnologyOne, Expense8, Aurion, Accendre, IBM Planning Analytics, and BluePrism.

Q: What potential changes might stem from the ERP assessment?

A: Possible changes could involve replacing ancillary systems with native components to streamline operations and decrease vendor reliance.

Q: When is the TechnologyOne contract scheduled to end?

A: The contract is set to end in August 2026.

Q: What importance does the ERP assessment hold for the department?

A: The assessment is crucial as it may lead to enhanced system efficiency, reduced vendor complexity, and a more unified ERP strategy.

Fairphone Fairbuds True Wireless Earbuds Review


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Fairphone Fairbuds True Wireless Earbuds (Active Noise Cancellation, Replaceable Battery, Bluetooth 5.3) White

Victorian School Network Security Incident Reveals Education Database


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Overview of the Victoria Education Database Breach

Brief Summary

  • There was a major data breach at Victorian government schools.
  • The affected database contained student names, emails, and encrypted passwords.
  • A comprehensive password reset was executed to protect student accounts.
  • No indications have been found that the data was shared publicly.
  • Officials are collaborating with cybersecurity professionals to avert future breaches.

Details of the Breach

A troubling incident has led to a breach of the Department of Education’s database, impacting all Victorian government schools and their students. This breach required an extensive password reset just as the new academic year was about to commence. The breached database included critical information such as student names, school-issued email IDs, encrypted passwords, school names, and year levels.

Compromised Victoria Education database through school's network

Details of the Incident

Although the Department of Education has verified the breach, the particulars of how the hacker gained access to the database remain unknown. The department has since undertaken containment actions and forensic evaluations. Alerts from at least one school have indicated that immediate measures were enacted to reset all student passwords, ensuring the provision of new access credentials upon their return.

Response and Security Measures

The Victorian Department of Education has pinpointed the breach’s entry route and has put protective measures in place, such as temporarily suspending certain systems to avert further breaches. There are ongoing efforts in partnership with cybersecurity specialists and government bodies to minimize any disruption to students as they start the 2026 academic year.

Conclusion

The breach of the Victorian Department of Education’s database is a significant concern that impacts many students and schools. While there has been no public data release, the prompt response, including a mass password reset and consultations with experts, seeks to enhance security and prevent future breaches.

Q: What information was compromised in the breach?

A: The database held student names, school-issued email addresses, encrypted passwords, school names, and year levels.

Q: What protections are being put in place for affected students?

A: A mass password reset has occurred, and new credentials will be issued to students when they return to school. Additional security protocols are being enforced.

Q: Is there any sign that the data has been released to the public?

A: Currently, there is no evidence that the accessed data has been shared or disseminated publicly.

Q: What actions is the Department of Education taking to avert future breaches?

A: The department is working with cybersecurity professionals and other governmental bodies, enforcing protective measures, and temporarily shutting down systems to enhance security.

Q: When will students obtain their new login credentials?

A: Students will receive new credentials on their first day upon returning to school.

Q: Has this breach impacted the start of the 2026 academic year?

A: Steps are being taken to ensure that there is minimal disruption for students as they begin the 2026 school year.

Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Graphite Headphones Review


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Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Graphite Headphones (Import Version)

Raycon Fitness True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones with Built-in Microphone Review


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Raycon Fitness True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones with Built-in Microphone 54 Hours Battery IPX 7 Waterproof and Charging Box Talk, Text Play 5.2 Portable Sports (Black) (RBE745-21E)

ACMA Pursues Answers for Irreparable Samsung Mobile Devices


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ACMA’s Endeavor: Tackling Irreparable Samsung Devices

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is vigorously exploring remedies for obsolete Samsung gadgets that are being barred from networks due to issues with triple zero calls. This initiative is part of a wider regulatory campaign to guarantee that all mobile devices can consistently make emergency calls.

Brief Overview

  • ACMA is identifying outdated Samsung devices responsible for triple zero call failures.
  • Telstra has flagged 12 Samsung Galaxy models that are unable to make emergency calls on TPG’s 4G network.
  • These devices are being restricted by all primary Australian carriers following ACMA’s recent guidelines.
  • ACMA’s BuyICT listing is intended to evaluate devices but currently lacks a definitive strategy.
  • A total of 60 Samsung handset issues have been addressed through software updates; 12 remain problematic.
  • Oppo A53 models are encountering comparable emergency call challenges.
  • Samsung devices locked to Vodafone’s defunct 3G network impair call dependability.

Examining ACMA’s Market Strategy

ACMA’s intention to acquire some of these older Samsung devices was disclosed through a BuyICT listing. The goal is to ensure independent confirmation of telecom companies’ device testing outcomes, although an ACMA representative confirmed that there is no roadmap beyond looking into the acquisition of these devices.

ACMA attempts to source unfixable Samsung handsets

The Issue with Samsung Devices

Out of the Samsung devices identified, 72 are known to experience issues with emergency call placement. While software updates can fix issues for 60 of these phones, 12 models are irreparable and must be prohibited from service. Significantly, these models are tied to Vodafone’s outdated 3G network, which complicates their ability to change networks in critical situations.

Wider Repercussions for Other Devices

Similar problems have been reported with Oppo A53 devices, which also necessitate software updates for proper emergency call functionality. This signals a broader issue among numerous handset manufacturers regarding firmware and emergency call dependability.

Network Restrictions and Emergency Call Interruptions

The failure of certain handsets to effectively switch networks in emergencies poses a serious issue. This difficulty is worsened by an inefficient call rerouting system, which could delay emergency help by as much as a minute.

Conclusion

ACMA’s efforts to acquire and assess outdated Samsung devices highlight the crucial need for dependable emergency call capabilities in mobile technology. While some fixes, such as software upgrades, are available, some handsets remain unfixable and are being phased out by Australian carriers to meet new regulatory requirements.

Q: Why is ACMA focusing on older Samsung devices?

A: ACMA intends to ensure that all mobile devices can consistently make emergency calls. They are looking for older Samsung devices to independently verify telecommunications testing results.

Q: Which Samsung models are impacted?

A: Twelve Samsung Galaxy models are being restricted because they cannot make emergency calls on TPG’s 4G network.

Q: Can the problems with these devices be remedied?

A: While software updates are able to fix 60 Samsung devices, 12 models are beyond repair and need to be blocked from use.

Q: Are other devices facing similar challenges?

A: Yes, Oppo A53 devices are also experiencing emergency call issues and need software updates to work correctly.

Q: What is the issue with network switching on these devices?

A: The devices are locked to Vodafone’s outdated 3G network, which restricts their ability to switch networks during emergencies, potentially causing delays.

Q: How have Australian carriers responded?

A: All major Australian carriers are blocking these problematic devices in order to comply with ACMA’s new regulations.

Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds Review


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Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling, Powerful Bass, 45H Playtime, 2-in-1 Case and Phone Stand, IP54, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 (Green)

Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Bluetooth Review


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Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro Bluetooth – 11 mm HiFi Triple Driver, 55 dB ANC Active Noise Cancellation and 15 m/s ENC, Lossless Qualcomm Sound and Harman AudioEFX, White