Blog - Page 48 of 180 - Techbest - Top Tech Reviews In Australia

TAFE NSW Initiates Bold $22 Million ERP Overhaul

Nicholas Kinports on July 17, 2025


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

TAFE NSW Invests $22 Million in ERP Enhancement

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

TAFE NSW invests in $22m ERP enhancement

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.

JBL Live Flex Wireless Earbuds Review

Matthew Miller on July 17, 2025


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

JBL Live Flex, JBL Signature Sound and Personi-Fi 2.0, True Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Up to 40 (8+32) hours of playtime with Wireless Charging, 6 mics for perfect calls with zero noise, Black

Telstra Raises Red Flag: Network Improvement Funds Consumed by Compliance Costs

Nicholas Webb on July 17, 2025


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

  • Telstra indicates that compliance expenditures are obstructing network enhancements.
  • New regulations may cost the telecommunications sector $266 million over the upcoming decade.
  • Telstra promotes the establishment of a synchronized regulatory initiatives grid.
  • Holds ups in planning approvals hinder AI and bandwidth-heavy applications.
  • Australia is at risk of lagging in telecom regulation harmonization.

Compliance Expenses Affecting Network Enhancements

Telstra indicates that network upgrade funds are being consumed by compliance expenses

Telstra has expressed worry that rising compliance expenses are redirecting finances from critical network enhancements. The firm points out two particular regulations: the standard for customer communication during outages and the laws regarding scam prevention, anticipated to impose at least $266 million in expenses on the telecommunications sector throughout the next decade.

Consequences of New Regulations

Though these regulations aim to benefit consumers in the Australian telecommunications landscape, Telstra contends that the financial strain they impose could impede industry investments in upgraded telecommunications infrastructure. Currently, the telco adheres to more than 500 pieces of laws and regulations, showcasing the vast regulatory framework.

The Appeal for a Regulatory Initiatives Grid

Telstra supports a unified method for upcoming regulatory amendments, suggesting the creation of a regulatory initiatives grid akin to models in the finance industry. This grid would catalog all new and suggested regulatory reforms, potentially highlighting conflicting goals and easing dialogues among stakeholders.

Obstacles in Planning Approvals

Holds ups in planning approvals have affected Telstra’s intercity fiber network rollout. The telco cautions that these delays could influence the advancement of AI and other bandwidth-demanding applications, as insufficient collaboration between regulators and approval entities may result in considerable costs and deter infrastructure investment.

Global Regulatory Coordination Instances

Telstra observes that regions like the UK, European Union, and New Zealand are synchronizing telecommunications regulation and policy. Absent parallel efforts, Australia jeopardizes falling behind in regulatory efficiency and technological progress.

Conclusion

Telstra is raising alarms regarding how compliance costs are detracting from potential investments in network enhancements. The telco is calling for a more synchronized regulatory strategy to maintain Australia’s competitiveness in the telecommunications industry.

Q: Which regulations are impacting Telstra’s budget for network enhancements?

A: The customer communication for outages industry standard and scams prevention framework laws are anticipated to incur notable expenses.

Q: How much might these regulations cost the telecommunications sector?

A: They could impose a cost of at least $266 million over the next decade.

Q: What solution is Telstra suggesting for regulatory synchronization?

A: Telstra proposes establishing a regulatory initiatives grid to organize and simplify regulatory changes.

Q: In what way are planning approvals influencing Telstra’s activities?

A: Delays in planning approvals are affecting Telstra’s intercity fiber network, impeding growth in AI and bandwidth-heavy applications.

Q: What threats does Australia face if it fails to harmonize its telecommunications regulations?

A: Australia risks falling behind other areas such as the UK, EU, and New Zealand regarding regulatory synchronization and technological progress.

Raycon Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds – Review

Matthew Miller on July 16, 2025


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

Raycon Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds – Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earphones with 32 Hours of Extreme Comfort Playback and Active Noise Cancelling (Forest Green)

Google’s Innovative Sleep Security AI Prevents Bug Exploitation

Matthew Miller on July 16, 2025


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

Google’s AI Breakthroughs in Cybersecurity

Quick Overview

  • Google’s Big Sleep AI identified a severe SQLite vulnerability before it could be exploited.
  • The flaw, designated as CVE-2025-6965, had the potential to cause memory corruption.
  • Developed by Google’s Project Zero and DeepMind AI teams, Big Sleep represents a technological leap.
  • Google is advancing its AI capabilities with the Sec-Gemini AI model and the Timesketch platform.
  • Insights from the Secure AI Framework (SAIF) will be shared with the Coalition for Secure AI (CoSAI).

Significance of Google’s Big Sleep AI

Google has made remarkable advancements in cybersecurity through its Big Sleep AI, which has effectively pinpointed a critical security issue within the SQLite relational database management system. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-6965, posed a considerable risk due to its potential to cause memory corruption. Google’s AI acted swiftly before malicious entities could take advantage of the flaw, marking a pivotal moment in AI-based cybersecurity interventions.

Google's Big Sleep security AI agent prevents bug exploitation

Creation of Big Sleep

Introduced through a partnership between Google’s Project Zero and its DeepMind AI division, Big Sleep was unveiled in November of the previous year. This AI system was precisely engineered to unearth vulnerabilities that conventional techniques like fuzzing might overlook. Its capacity to recognize and eliminate threats before they emerge establishes a new benchmark in proactive cybersecurity.

Google's AI security agent Big Sleep diagram

Google Big Sleep diagram

Sec-Gemini and Upcoming Innovations

Google’s dedication to AI progress continues with the launch of Sec-Gemini version 1, an AI model trained using data from security provider Mandiant. This model enhances the Timesketch platform, now integrated with agentic features to further improve security protocols. Showcases of these technologies are set to occur at the Black Hat USA security conference in Las Vegas.

Collaborative Initiatives and Data Exchange

To strengthen worldwide cybersecurity initiatives, Google has declared its plan to share insights from its Secure AI Framework (SAIF) with the Coalition for Secure AI (CoSAI). This effort aims to reinforce AI, defensive measures, and software supply chain security initiatives, highlighting Google’s commitment to joint cybersecurity enhancements.

Conclusion

The application of AI in cybersecurity has reached a notable achievement with the Big Sleep AI agent. By identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, Google is setting a new standard in proactive cybersecurity practices. The development of Sec-Gemini and cooperation with CoSAI further emphasizes Google’s pledge to improving global security measures.

FAQ

Q: What exactly is Big Sleep?

A: Big Sleep is an AI agent focused on security, created by Google to find vulnerabilities in systems like SQLite before they can be exploited.

Q: Which vulnerability was detected by Big Sleep?

A: Big Sleep identified a serious security issue in the SQLite database system, classified as CVE-2025-6965, which had the potential for memory corruption.

Q: In what way is Big Sleep distinct from standard security methods?

A: Big Sleep employs AI to discover vulnerabilities that conventional approaches, such as fuzzing, might miss, enabling it to proactively address threats.

Q: What does Sec-Gemini refer to?

A: Sec-Gemini is a trial AI model created by Google, trained on data from security vendor Mandiant, aimed at improving digital forensics and cybersecurity abilities.

Q: How is Google working with other organizations?

A: Google is disseminating data from its Secure AI Framework to the Coalition for Secure AI to enhance global security initiatives.

Belkin SoundForm ClearFit Wireless Open-Ear Headphones Review

Matthew Miller on July 16, 2025


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

Belkin SoundForm ClearFit Wireless Open-Ear Headphones, Lightweight Comfortable Sports Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth and IPX5 Waterproof for Hiking, Cycling, Jogging – Sand

Global Gaming Powerhouses Assemble in Melbourne to Uncover Australia’s Upcoming Major Success

Nicholas Webb on July 15, 2025


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

Quick Overview

  • Play Now Melbourne 2025 is planned for October 9 at W Melbourne.
  • Supported by VicScreen and Screen Australia, the event connects local creators with global publishers.
  • Highlighted participants include Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, and Massive Monster.
  • New entries for 2025 feature Alt Ventures and Silver Lining Interactive.
  • $42 million worth of projects were displayed in 2024.
  • There’s no cost for Australian developers to join; expressions of interest are due by July 24, 2025.

Play Now Melbourne 2025: A Leading Gaming Event

VicScreen has announced an exciting roster of international games publishers for the third annual Play Now Melbourne, Australia’s premier global games market. This gathering is quickly becoming the essential venue for local developers to connect with prominent industry figures.

Star-Studded Lineup and Fresh Faces

Among the notable participants are Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, Massive Monster, and UltraPlayers. These confirmations present a golden opportunity for Australian game developers to showcase their projects to influential leaders. Newcomers for 2025, such as Alt Ventures, Silver Lining Interactive, TheOneGames, Outersloth, and Wholesome Games Presents will also be making their debut, highlighting the event’s growing prestige on a global scale.

Linking Local Talent with Global Opportunities

Organized by VicScreen with backing from Screen Australia, Play Now Melbourne serves as a vital link between homegrown talent and international publishers, investors, and platform holders. It provides a distinctive setting for Australian developers to pitch and market their games to a worldwide audience.

Global gaming publishers gather in Melbourne for Play Now event
VicScreen x Play Now Melbourne 2024

Major Growth and Achievement

Since its launch in 2023, Play Now Melbourne has experienced extraordinary growth. In 2024, more than $42 million worth of projects were showcased, a noteworthy rise from $24 million the year before. The event’s international reputation is demonstrated by the quality of publishers, investors, and platform holders expected to engage with independent Australian game developers this year.

Looking Ahead and Participation

Play Now Melbourne 2025 is set for Thursday, October 9, at the W Melbourne, as part of the wider Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW). Expressions of interest are now open for Australian game developers aiming for funding, publishing agreements, or market support for their projects. Importantly, attendance is free, but developers should move quickly as the expression of interest deadline is Thursday, July 24, 2025.

For further details, visit https://vicscreen.vic.gov.au/playnow/

Overview

Play Now Melbourne 2025 is set to be a pivotal event, maintaining its tradition of linking Australian game developers with major players in the global gaming industry. With significant increases in both participation and project value, the event highlights the creativity and potential of Australia’s gaming sector.

Q: What is Play Now Melbourne?

A: Play Now Melbourne is an international games market event that connects Australian game developers with global publishers and investors.

Q: Who are some prominent attendees for 2025?

A: Prominent attendees include Akupara Games, Devolver Digital, and newcomers such as Alt Ventures and Silver Lining Interactive.

Q: When and where will the event take place?

A: The event is scheduled for October 9, 2025, at the W Melbourne, as part of the Melbourne International Games Week.

Q: How can developers take part in the event?

A: Developers can take part by submitting an expression of interest by July 24, 2025, at no cost.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Review

Matthew Miller on July 15, 2025


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Adaptive Noise Cancelling, 360 Audio, in-Ear Headphones with Hi-Fi Sound, Buds3 Pro White

NSW Police Looks for Head for Crucial Network Enhancement

Nicholas Webb on July 15, 2025


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!

NSW Police Looking for a Leader to Oversee Essential Network Improvement

NSW Police Network Revamp: Searching for Leadership for a Major Enhancement

NSW Police looking for leadership for essential network revamp

Quick Overview

  • NSW Police Force is in search of a delivery director for its network infrastructure overhaul.
  • The initiative is supported by a $50 million financial boost from the state budget.
  • The position offers compensation of up to $237,462 for qualified IT program leaders.
  • The program encompasses updates to network security, telephony, and call center integration.
  • This is part of a broader $125.8 million funding initiative for IT enhancements and cyber safety.

Strategic Guidance for Network Enhancement

The NSW Police Force is actively seeking a delivery director to lead a comprehensive transformation of its network infrastructure. This newly established position will provide strategic direction and manage the “end-to-end” execution of a critical multi-phased network program aimed at improving the force’s essential communication and networking functions.

Substantial Investment and Role Details

With a significant $50 million investment from the state budget, the program offers an attractive salary package of up to $237,462. It is looking for someone with a robust background in managing large-scale, intricate IT programs within government or critical infrastructure environments.

Facilitating Digital Evolution

This essential network program is a vital element of the NSWPF’s digital transformation. It enables crucial upgrades to outdated systems and fosters the integration of modern technologies to boost operational resilience, officer connectivity, and uninterrupted statewide communication.

Thorough Network Improvements

As indicated in the job listing, the program will be divided into intricate streams, covering network security, telephony, AV/AVL systems, and call center integration. Importantly, the latter will prioritize enhancing networking capabilities essential for emergency services and public assistance lines like 000, the Police Assistance Line, and Crime Stoppers.

Wider Financial Package and Cyber Safety

This essential network program is part of a larger $125.8 million funding allocation from the state government’s 2025-26 budget. This funding set includes $45.2 million for the upgrade and modernization of the payroll platform that serves over 21,000 NSW Police Force staff. Additionally, $24.6 million is designated for a “cyber safety enhancement initiative” to strengthen the Force’s cyber threat detection and response capabilities.

Conclusion

The NSW Police Force is on a transformative path to improve its network infrastructure, backed by significant governmental funds. The pursuit of an effective leader underscores a dedicated effort to enhance operational capacities and drive digital transformation. With a focus on increasing public trust and fostering officer connectivity, this initiative marks a pivotal move towards updating the Force’s technological framework.

Q: What is the main objective of the NSW Police network enhancement?

A: The primary aim is to improve the essential communications and networking capabilities of the NSW Police Force as part of its digital evolution.

Q: How much funding has been allocated for the network enhancement?

A: The network enhancement falls within a $50 million allocation from the state budget, as part of a broader $125.8 million package for IT upgrades.

Q: What specific areas will the network program cover?

A: It will focus on network security, telephony, AV/AVL systems, and call center integration, targeting essential services like 000 and public assistance lines.

Q: What qualifications are necessary for the delivery director position?

A: Candidates are required to have experience in managing large-scale, intricate IT programs within government or critical infrastructure sectors.

Q: What additional initiatives are included in the broader funding allocation?

A: The allocation involves $45.2 million for payroll platform upgrades and $24.6 million for bolstering cyber safety capabilities.