United Airlines Collaborates with Starlink to Provide High-Speed In-Flight Internet

Quick Read

• United Airlines has teamed up with Elon Musk’s Starlink to deliver high-speed in-flight internet.
• This service will be free for passengers across over 1,000 United Airlines planes.
• Testing is anticipated to start in early 2025, with flights featuring Starlink later that same year.
• Starlink’s satellite internet aims to improve connectivity for airlines, having previously partnered with Hawaiian Airlines and JSX.
• This initiative boosts Starlink’s growth from rural markets into commercial aviation.

United Airlines and Starlink Unify to Innovate In-Flight Connectivity

United Airlines has embarked on an exciting partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX-owned Starlink to bring high-speed, satellite-based in-flight internet services. This collaboration aims to enhance the travel experience by providing internet access that rivals ground connectivity.

The airline intends to implement the service across its entire fleet, comprising over 1,000 aircraft. The testing phase is set to kick off in early 2025, while the inaugural passenger flights equipped with Starlink internet are expected later that same year. United Airlines has affirmed that the service will incur no charges for passengers, a considerable incentive for travelers.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite internet service run by SpaceX, the aerospace firm founded by Elon Musk. It is engineered to deliver high-speed broadband to regions lacking adequate connectivity, utilizing a network of thousands of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This technology has found applications in rural and underserved areas, and now, Starlink is branching into commercial aviation. The service is recognized for its low latency and rapid internet speeds, crucial attributes for long-haul flights where seamless online interactions are expected.

Why This Partnership is a Game Changer

The alliance between United Airlines and Starlink is poised to transform in-flight internet, tackling one of the most frequent grievances among air travelers: slow and spotty Wi-Fi. Conventional in-flight connectivity depends on ground-based towers or geostationary satellites, both of which present limitations such as high latency and unreliable coverage. Starlink’s LEO satellites aspire to resolve these challenges by providing quicker speeds and steadier service, regardless of the flight’s route.

By offering the service at no cost, United Airlines is setting itself apart from rivals that typically charge for Wi-Fi access. This could potentially establish a new benchmark in the aviation sector where complimentary internet access becomes standard rather than an exception.

Starlink’s Growth in Aviation

This collaboration isn’t Starlink’s first venture into the aviation field. The satellite internet provider has already formed agreements with Hawaiian Airlines and the regional airline JSX. These partnerships signify Starlink’s ambitious plan to broaden its reach from home and rural internet solutions into commercial aviation.

The aviation sector represents a logical next step for Starlink, considering the rising need for dependable internet access during flights. Whether for business, entertainment streaming, or connecting with loved ones, high-speed internet is evolving from a luxury to a critical requirement on numerous flights.

Timeline for Implementation

Although the partnership has been unveiled, United Airlines passengers will need to wait a bit before experiencing Starlink’s high-speed internet. Testing will commence in early 2025, with the initial passenger flights outfitted with Starlink anticipated later that year. United’s strategy to deploy the service across its entire fleet signifies a long-term commitment to enhancing passenger experience and embracing technological advancements within the aviation sector.

Summary

United Airlines’ alliance with Starlink signifies a major milestone in the advancement of in-flight internet connectivity. With Starlink’s satellite technology, passengers can look forward to faster, more dependable internet access at no cost. The partnership also underscores Starlink’s ongoing ambition to extend its services beyond rural communities and into the commercial aviation arena, positioning it as a significant contender in the market for airborne internet solutions. Testing is slated to begin in 2025, with a comprehensive roll-out anticipated across United’s fleet in the following years.

Q&A

Q: When will Starlink’s internet service be available on United Airlines flights?

A:

Testing of Starlink’s in-flight internet service on United Airlines will start in early 2025, with the first passenger flights featuring the service expected later that year.

Q: Will passengers have to pay for the in-flight internet?

A:

No, United Airlines has confirmed that Starlink’s in-flight internet service will be free for passengers.

Q: How does Starlink’s internet differ from traditional in-flight Wi-Fi?

A:

Unlike conventional in-flight Wi-Fi, which often depends on ground towers or geostationary satellites, Starlink utilizes low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This allows for enhanced speeds, reduced latency, and more consistent connectivity, even over remote areas and oceans.

Q: How many United Airlines aircraft will be equipped with Starlink internet?

A:

United Airlines plans to equip over 1,000 aircraft with Starlink’s high-speed internet service in the coming years.

Q: Which other airlines have partnered with Starlink?

A:

Besides United Airlines, Starlink has collaborated with Hawaiian Airlines and regional carrier JSX to deliver high-speed in-flight internet services.

Q: How fast is Starlink’s in-flight internet?

A:

Although specific speeds for in-flight usage have yet to be announced, Starlink’s satellite internet service can provide speeds of up to 100 Mbps or more to individual users in other scenarios, making it considerably faster than most conventional in-flight Wi-Fi options.

Q: Will Starlink’s internet be available on all United flights?

A:

Yes, United Airlines plans to outfit its entire fleet, which includes over 1,000 aircraft, with Starlink’s internet service over the upcoming years.

ANZ Bank Enhances Cybersecurity Through Zero Trust and ‘Secure-by-Default’ Framework

Dr Maria Milosavljevic (Image credit: ANZ Banking Group)

Brief Overview

• ANZ Bank is rolling out a cybersecurity plan over three years, centred on Zero Trust and ‘secure-by-default’ concepts.
• The bank’s plan revolves around three main objectives: integrating security, enhancing resilience, and facilitating business change.
• ANZ has participated in organisation-wide cyber drills to prepare for major incidents, pinpointing improvement areas through practical scenarios.
• The Zero Trust approach prioritises rigorous authentication processes, network division, and automated security mechanisms.
• ANZ collaborates with external service providers, regulators, and industry peers to foster joint accountability in cybersecurity.

Zero Trust and ‘Secure-by-Default’: ANZ’s New Cybersecurity Framework

ANZ Bank is embarking on its first year of an ambitious corporate security initiative that emphasizes the integration of strong security measures, resilience building, and fostering innovation within the organization. This is part of a continuous effort to enhance the bank’s cybersecurity infrastructure, with a focus on Zero Trust and ‘secure-by-default’ methodologies.

This groundbreaking approach highlights the necessity for holistic security given the rising sophistication of cyber threats. Dr Maria Milosavljevic, ANZ’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), is at the forefront of this project, which received approval from the ANZ Board in early 2024.

Three Key Pillars of Cybersecurity at ANZ

ANZ’s cybersecurity framework is constructed on three essential pillars:

1. **Integrating Security Throughout the Organisation**: Security is no longer tasked to a singular department; it is now a collective obligation among all teams within the bank. This collaborative shift guarantees that security permeates every layer of the organization.

2. **Enhancing Resilience**: ANZ collaborates closely with third-party service providers and regulators to reinforce its defenses against emerging cybersecurity threats. This involves improving contractual arrangements and fostering trustful partnerships.

3. **Facilitating Business Change**: As ANZ adapts to digital transformation, it is crucial that security does not obstruct innovation. The bank seeks to promote rapid yet secure experimentation within its business units, ensuring security acts as an enabler rather than an impediment.

Getting Ready for Cyber Incidents: Practical Simulations

Preparedness for cybersecurity incidents is a primary concern for ANZ. In November 2023, the bank executed an enterprise-wide cyber simulation with prominent decision-makers and implementers. This exercise was modeled on a genuine incident impacting another entity, compelling ANZ to evaluate its readiness for similar issues.

The simulation yielded valuable feedback, enabling the bank to highlight weaknesses in its incident response procedures. Smaller-scale activities have also been implemented across its operations in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific regions, along with joint drills with Suncorp Bank, emphasizing the significance of cross-organizational preparedness.

Essential Insights from Cyber Exercises

The cybersecurity drills have highlighted the necessity of:
– **Clarity in Incident Response**: Employees need to know their responsibilities during a cyber incident, including backup plans for key decision-makers who may be absent.
– **Maintaining Operational Continuity**: Incident response strategies should ensure that the right personnel are present and recuperated during an extended crisis.
– **Communication with Stakeholders**: Effective communication strategies are crucial to keep regulators and partners updated as incidents develop.

Building Resilience through Third-Party Collaboration

In today’s interconnected ecosystem, no entity functions in seclusion. Acknowledging this, ANZ is focused on cultivating strong partnerships with its third-party providers and regulators, realizing the significance of a shared accountability model.

Cybersecurity agreements are being meticulously examined to ensure mutual understanding of expectations. However, it’s not solely about contractual details—ANZ is also dedicated to fostering ‘soft relationships’ based on trust and ongoing collaboration. This strategy guarantees that both the bank and its partners are coordinated in protecting sensitive data.

Zero Trust Framework: A Multi-Layered Security Approach

ANZ’s strategy encompasses the application of a Zero Trust framework, a thorough security design that operates on the principle that no entity—inside or outside the network—should be trusted by default. This framework replaces conventional perimeter-focused security models with ongoing verification and segmentation.

Core Elements of Zero Trust at ANZ

– **Enhanced Authentication**: Improved methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), ensure that users are accurately identified before accessing resources.
– **Network Division**: By partitioning the network into smaller, secure segments, ANZ can restrict the proliferation of potential threats.
– **Automated Security Mechanisms**: Shifting from manual to automated verification of security controls enables ongoing surveillance. This provides the bank with real-time insights into its security status and risk levels.

Facilitating Business Change with Security

Security is often critiqued for hindering innovation, but ANZ is striving to alter this perception. The bank has implemented an “experiments at pace” framework that empowers various departments to innovate swiftly while adhering to security requirements.

ANZ is equally devoted to simplifying compliance processes for its employees through user-friendly tools and frameworks. This enables staff to experiment and innovate within a secure context, encountering minimal obstacles.

Conclusion

ANZ Bank is taking decisive actions to advance its cybersecurity framework through a consolidated approach rooted in Zero Trust and ‘secure-by-default’ principles. The bank’s three-year strategy is structured around embedding security across the organization, enhancing resilience against cyber threats, and facilitating business transformation. By participating in hands-on cyber exercises and strengthening collaboration with external partners, ANZ is progressing toward a more secure and resilient financial institution.

Q&A

Q: What is the Zero Trust framework, and why is ANZ implementing it?

A: The Zero Trust framework is a security model that necessitates continuous verification of user identity and device integrity prior to granting network access. ANZ is embracing Zero Trust to bolster its security defenses by operating on the principle that no entity, whether internal or external, can be accepted as trustworthy by default. This reduces risks from both external and internal threats.

Q: How does ANZ’s cybersecurity strategy drive business transformation?

A: ANZ’s strategy includes an “experiments at pace” framework that enables different business units to innovate swiftly and securely. This framework equips employees with tools to self-manage security while exploring new concepts, ensuring a seamless integration of innovation and security.

Q: Why are third-party connections vital in ANZ’s security approach?

A: In a connected framework, third-party providers may introduce vulnerabilities. ANZ is dedicated to solidifying its relationships with third-party providers through clear agreements and trust-building initiatives. This fosters mutual accountability and enhances resilience against cyber threats.

Q: What types of cybersecurity drills has ANZ undertaken?

A: ANZ has engaged in both extensive, organization-wide cyber simulations and smaller, regional drills. These activities are aimed at helping the bank gauge its readiness for cyber incidents and uncover areas needing enhancement. The simulations involve key decision-makers and implementers to ensure preparedness at every level.

Q: How is ANZ planning to incorporate security throughout its organization?

A: ANZ strives to ensure that security is a collective responsibility shared among all business units rather than isolated in a single department. By weaving security into every component of the organization, ANZ guarantees that all employees are accountable and contribute to the overall cybersecurity posture of the bank.

Q: What is the role of automation in ANZ’s security strategy?

A: Automation is a fundamental aspect of ANZ’s security approach. By automating the verification of security controls, the bank can continuously monitor its security status in real-time. This transition from manual to automated procedures enables ANZ to detect and address threats more adeptly, ensuring round-the-clock protection.

Review of Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: An Impressive Foldable Facing Strong Competition from the XL

Design

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a testament to contemporary engineering. At merely 2mm thicker than the Pixel 9 Pro XL when folded, it presents a slender and stylish silhouette. Upon unfolding, it reveals a generous 150.2mm wide display, nearly double that of the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s 76.6mm screen. This added display area, combined with its 2076 x 2152 resolution, provides a near-tablet experience on the go.

For those keen on multitasking, the large screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is perfect for running two applications side by side – a real advantage for efficiency, gaming, and content viewing. The foldable display feels robust, and the hinge mechanism ensures both sections of the phone align neatly when folded, blocking dust or debris from entering. Even with the foldable design, the crease is hardly perceptible during regular usage, unless observed at an angle or when gliding your finger across the surface.

Performance

Driven by Google’s Tensor G4 processor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold navigates the dual-screen experience effortlessly. I tested numerous apps running concurrently, and the device performed without lag or slowness. The multitasking capability allows for screen splitting and simultaneous app usage, enhancing productivity, though the app-switching interface could be improved. You can establish app pairs for quick access, but altering which app occupies which screen side necessitates a new pairing process, which is somewhat cumbersome.

The gadget transitions between folded and unfolded modes seamlessly. Closing the phone turns off the internal display, while the external screen activates immediately, ensuring you maintain your position across applications.

Features

Camera System

The pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera configuration is uncompromised by its foldable design. It includes a triple rear camera setup featuring:

– **Wide Camera:** A 48 MP sensor with Quad PD, an ƒ/1.7 aperture, and an 82° field of view for clear landscape photography.
– **Ultrawide Camera:** A 10.5 MP sensor with a 127° field of view and Dual PD autofocus, great for capturing wide-angle images.
– **Telephoto Camera:** A 10.8 MP sensor enabling up to 5x optical zoom and Super Res Zoom up to 20x, perfect for taking pictures of distant objects.

The front camera, a 10 MP Dual PD sensor, ensures clear and sharp selfies and video calls. However, the panorama mode could be improved, showing noticeable stitching artifacts, particularly along straight edges like fences.

Battery Life and Charging

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold boasts over 24 hours of battery life with regular usage, though this is significantly influenced by how extensively the foldable screen is used. The 4,650 mAh battery is satisfactory, yet it tends to deplete faster when the device is open, given its dual displays. Wireless charging is an option, but it is relatively slow, thus for quick recharges, Google’s 45W USB-C charger is recommended.

Dual-SIM Support

As with other Pixel devices, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold supports dual SIMs (one physical SIM and one eSIM). However, a dual eSIM option would have been beneficial, allowing for additional internal space potentially allocated for an increased battery capacity.

Challenges and Potential

Although the Pixel 9 Pro Fold shines in numerous aspects, it still has opportunities for enhancement. App developers must provide better support for foldable displays. Regrettably, certain Google applications, such as Gmail and Calendar, do not yet fully exploit the dual screens, whereas third-party applications like Microsoft Office do. This is a significant oversight, particularly since Google oversees both the hardware and software ecosystems.

Additionally, the absence of filters or classifications within the Play Store to assist users in finding apps optimized for foldable displays is a missed opportunity. Such a feature would have greatly enhanced user experience with foldables.

Pricing and Availability

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is not budget-friendly, starting at A$2,699 for the 256GB variant and reaching A$2,899 for the 512GB model. For those seeking a premium device that can serve as both a phone and a tablet, it may justify the investment. However, this cost might deter all but the most passionate tech aficionados or professionals who can rationalize the expense through heightened productivity.

The device comes in two shades: Porcelain and Obsidian. It’s advisable to purchase a protective case for such an expensive device, with Google’s official case priced at an additional A$79.99.

Final Thoughts

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a remarkable advancement in technology that hints at the future of foldable smartphones. With its expansive, seamless display, robust performance, and impressive camera system, it serves as a versatile device that can function as both a phone and a tablet. Nevertheless, the steep price and limited app support for dual screens might give some prospective buyers reason to hesitate.

For those seeking a foldable in 2024, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold ranks among the top choices available, but be aware that the software experience has still room to evolve. Android 15 may resolve several of the current limitations, turning it into a more enticing purchase down the road.

Ultimately, if tablet functionality is not a necessity, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might prove to be a more favorable option, providing a more polished experience at a more reasonable price.

Summary

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold delivers a near-tablet experience in a sleek, foldable format, backed by the Tensor G4 chipset. Its camera capabilities are strong, and it performs smoothly even with multiple applications in use. However, dual-screen app support is still lacking, and the cost is steep. If you’re in need of a foldable for both work and leisure, it stands out as a worthy consideration; however, for most users, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers a comparable experience at a more budget-friendly price.

Q: How does the design of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold compare with other foldables?

A: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a smooth, almost imperceptible crease when viewed head-on. Its slender form when folded and expansive display when opened make it a strong contender against other foldables in the market, rivaling devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 or OnePlus Open.

Q: Is the camera quality inferior on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?

A: Not at all. The camera setup closely mirrors that of the Pixel 9 Pro XL and provides stunning images and videos. While the differences may exist, they are minimal, making the Fold a fantastic choice.

News Corp Risks US$9 Million in Revenue if It Abandons Google Ads

Quick Overview

• News Corp predicts a US$9 million revenue decline if it moves away from Google’s advertising services.
• Google’s advertising exchange holds a commanding position, complicating transitions for publishers.
• The US Department of Justice claims Google has established a monopoly in the ad technology sector.
• Google counters that publishers now engage with various ad platforms beyond its offerings.
• A guilty verdict for Google could compel the company to divest parts of its advertising operations.

Revenue Vulnerability of News Corp Linked to Google Ads

During a testimony in the ongoing antitrust proceedings involving Google in the United States, former News Corp executive Stephanie Layser disclosed that the media conglomerate stands to incur a significant revenue shortfall of at least US$9 million (approximately AUD$13.5 million) should it halt the use of Google’s ad tools. This estimate originated from internal assessments conducted during a 2017 review of alternative advertising technology solutions.

Although expressing dissatisfaction with Google, publishers such as News Corp discovered that the interconnected design of Google’s publisher ad server and ad exchange hampered their ability to switch. Layser indicated that this setup rendered publishers feeling “held captive” by Google’s ecosystem due to potential revenue losses and their dependence on the company’s infrastructure.

Google’s Prevalent Influence in Ad Technology

Layser’s testimony accentuates Google’s significant influence within the advertising tech market. Internal documents from News Corp dating back to 2016 illustrate that the publisher generated US$83.3 million from advertising sales through instant ad tech tools, with over half of those transactions routed through Google’s ad exchange.

By the time Layser exited News Corp in 2022, around 70-80% of the organization’s ad transactions traversed Google’s ad exchange. This substantial dependence on Google’s framework highlights the hurdles publishers encounter when contemplating alternatives. Although moving away from Google could potentially broaden their ad revenue sources, the immediate risk of losing US$9 million from Google-specific advertising rendered such a shift financially daunting.

US Department of Justice’s Case Against Google

The ongoing antitrust trial, spearheaded by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), forms part of a larger legal initiative aimed at establishing that Google has monopolized essential segments of the ad tech industry. Prosecutors maintain that Google’s systems are structured to entrap publishers and advertisers within its ecosystem, thereby obstructing competing ad services from gaining a foothold.

Central to the prosecution’s argument are Google’s ad exchange and publisher ad server, which they assert are employed to undermine competition and preserve Google’s leading market status. The DOJ is pushing to compel Google to divest portions of its advertising technology empire, including Google Ad Manager, to encourage a more competitive market environment.

Google’s Argument: The Advertising Landscape Has Shifted

In its defense, Google contends that the advertising ecosystem has undergone substantial changes since the relevant time frame. The company asserts that contemporary publishers frequently utilize multiple platforms—averaging six, based on their data—for ad sales. Google further notes that there are over 80 advertising technology services available to publishers, arguing that the competitive environment is significantly more vibrant than what the DOJ posits.

Google’s legal representatives argue that the case relies on outdated data, maintaining that the current state of the industry offers a wealth of alternatives for publishers that extend beyond Google’s offerings.

Possible Outcomes for Google

Should the court decide against Google, the company might be required to divest several of its core ad tech assets, including the Google Ad Manager platform. Such a ruling would represent a substantial transformation in the digital advertising landscape, potentially paving the way for other ad tech providers to vie on a more equitable basis.

While the trial is still proceeding, its implications are set to establish a significant precedent regarding the oversight of major technology firms and their domination over digital marketplaces.

Conclusion

News Corp’s potential US$9 million revenue loss underscores the difficulties publishers face when attempting to extricate themselves from Google’s advertising technology framework. The ongoing antitrust trial has the potential to bring extensive ramifications for the advertising sector if Google is determined to have monopolized the market. As the legal proceedings continue, publishers, advertisers, and tech firms are attentively observing to ascertain how the future of ad technology will unfold.

Q: What makes News Corp reluctant to move away from Google Ads?

A:

News Corp estimates that transitioning away from Google’s advertising solutions would entail a significant revenue drop of at least US$9 million. The deep integration of Google’s ad exchange with its publisher ad server complicates the transition for publishers without risking substantial ad revenue loss.

Q: What percentage of News Corp’s advertising transactions utilize Google?

A:

By 2022, an estimated 70-80% of News Corp’s ad transactions were conducted through Google’s ad exchange, illustrating the company’s strong dependence on Google’s advertising technology resources.

Q: What are the allegations made by the US Department of Justice against Google?

A:

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is alleging that Google has monopolized the digital advertising sector by leveraging its dominant positions in publisher ad services, advertiser networks, and ad exchanges to suppress competition and bind publishers within its ecosystem.

Q: What might occur if Google is declared guilty in the antitrust trial?

A:

If found guilty, the court may mandate Google to sell certain portions of its ad tech operations, including the Google Ad Manager, which could redefine the competitive dynamics within the digital advertising sector.

Q: How does Google reply to these charges?

A:

Google maintains that the advertising market has significantly evolved, with publishers now utilizing several platforms for ad sales. The company claims that the market is considerably more competitive than the DOJ suggests, with over 80 advertising technology services currently accessible.

Q: What potential effects could this trial have on the advertising sector?

A:

If the court rules against Google, it could generate additional opportunities for competing advertising technology firms to challenge Google’s supremacy. It may also result in stricter regulations governing technology giants in the digital advertising landscape.

NAB Phases Out Tableau Platform in Significant Analytics Transition to Ada

NAB’s Major Transition in Data Analytics: Saying Goodbye to Tableau

The National Australia Bank (NAB) has officially retired its Tableau platform after 11 years of operation, representing a pivotal moment in the bank’s ongoing evolution in data analytics. Tableau, which once supported over 11,000 reports and 4000 users, has now been succeeded by a state-of-the-art data platform called Ada.

NAB’s Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Christian Nelissen, shared the news of the decommissioning via a LinkedIn post, highlighting the platform’s retirement as a critical element in the bank’s evolving data strategy. Tableau reports have either been migrated to the more contemporary business intelligence tool, PowerBI, or have been fully discontinued.

This constitutes the second significant data system retirement by NAB recently, following the discontinuation of its Teradata platform, which had been functioning for 26 years.

What is Ada?

Ada is NAB’s new data platform, engineered to serve as the foundation for its next-generation analytics and data processing capabilities. The bank describes it as “chapter two” in its data evolution, indicating a departure from legacy systems to a more agile, cloud-centric framework.

The Ada platform is established on a powerful tech infrastructure that features:

• Databricks: A frontrunner in unified data analytics, facilitating data engineering, machine learning, and collaborative data science.
• HVR Fivetran: A data integration solution that ensures seamless data flow between platforms.
• PowerBI: Microsoft’s business analytics tool, delivering data visualization and interactive reporting.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure: Cloud services providing secure and scalable frameworks for data storage and processing.

Transition from Tableau to PowerBI: The Rationale Behind the Change

The switch from Tableau to PowerBI was a strategic choice that aligns with the bank’s move toward a more cohesive and adaptable platform. PowerBI, part of the Microsoft ecosystem, provides enhanced integration with other tools already utilized at NAB, such as Azure and Office 365.

PowerBI also offers a more economical and scalable option for large organizations like NAB. Its capabilities for real-time data visualization enable NAB teams to make quicker, data-centric decisions.

End of an Era: The Retirements of Tableau and Teradata

The retirement of Tableau comes on the heels of NAB’s shutdown of the Teradata platform at the conclusion of 2023. The Teradata system had served the bank for 26 years and was integral to its legacy data setup.

Interestingly, NAB broadcast the Teradata platform’s shutdown to thousands of employees as a symbolic conclusion to an era. In contrast, the Tableau shutdown did not receive a similar level of recognition.

While NAB has not officially commented on the Tableau decommissioning, it is evident that the bank is taking significant strides to modernize its data framework and embrace more advanced technologies.

Conclusion

NAB’s retirement of its Tableau platform is part of a comprehensive strategy to modernize its data analytics ecosystem. The transition to the Ada platform, supported by technologies such as Databricks, PowerBI, and cloud offerings from AWS and Azure, emphasizes the bank’s dedication to agile, data-driven decision-making. This move away from Tableau follows the earlier retirement of its 26-year-old Teradata system, signifying a decisive shift from legacy systems to a more integrated, cloud-first data architecture.

Q&A

Q: What was the significance of NAB retiring its Tableau platform?

A:

The retirement of the Tableau platform is a crucial aspect of NAB’s broader initiative to modernize its data infrastructure. Having been in service for 11 years and supporting over 11,000 reports and 4000 users, its decommissioning marks a transition towards more integrated, scalable, and cost-efficient tools like PowerBI.

Q: Why did NAB opt for PowerBI over Tableau?

A:

NAB selected PowerBI due to its seamless synergy with the Microsoft ecosystem, incorporating Azure and Office 365. PowerBI provides real-time data visualization and is more adaptable and economical than Tableau, making it a superior choice for large enterprises like NAB that prioritize agility and efficiency in data processing.

Q: What is the Ada platform, and why is it significant?

A:

Ada is NAB’s new data platform, designed to underpin the bank’s next-generation analytics and data processing capabilities. Constructed on a modern tech stack that includes Databricks, PowerBI, AWS, and Azure, Ada represents a considerable advancement from NAB’s legacy systems, providing enhanced agility, scalability, and real-time insights.

Q: How does this transition impact NAB’s overall data strategy?

A:

By phasing out older platforms like Tableau and Teradata, NAB is streamlining its data operations and transitioning towards a more agile, cloud-focused data strategy. The implementation of Ada and PowerBI enables the bank to process and analyze data more effectively, ultimately resulting in quicker decision-making and improved customer outcomes.

Q: Was there a significant event for the Tableau decommissioning similar to the Teradata shutdown?

A:

No, while the Teradata shutdown was live-streamed to thousands of employees as a noteworthy event, the Tableau decommissioning did not garner the same level of visibility. Nonetheless, it remains a vital milestone in NAB’s data transformation journey.

Q: What other technologies are part of NAB’s new data infrastructure?

A:

NAB’s updated data infrastructure incorporates Databricks for data analytics and machine learning, HVR Fivetran for data integration, PowerBI for business intelligence, and cloud services from AWS and Microsoft Azure. These technologies work collaboratively to equip NAB with a robust, flexible, and scalable platform for its data requirements.