Galactic wind near black hole
Scientists have connected a fierce “wind” produced near a galaxy’s monster black hole to an outward torrent of cold gas a thousand light-years across. The finding, which combined observations from the Japan-led Suzaku X-ray satellite and the European Space Agency’s infrared Herschel Space Observatory, validates a long-suspected feedback mechanism enabling a supermassive black hole to influence the evolution of its host galaxy.
SA push to professionalise ICT
ICT is immensely important to all businesses around the world – and yet the people who work in ICT do not have professional status. Ulandi Exner, director and vice-president of the Institute of IT Professionals SA, points out that the ICT industry has evolved significantly, to the point where it is worth R109-billion this year – and is still growing. Kathy Gibson reports from the IDC CIO Summit in Sandton.
Six-second shelf life for brand loyalty
CA Southern Africa has released the results of a global study which reveals that mobile and desktop applications have become the new battleground for brand loyalty. In today’s software-driven world, where consumers are more discerning about what they expect from applications, the reality is that businesses that fail to deliver a positive application experience risk losing as much as a quarter of their customer base.
Telkom to begin staff transfers
Telkom will proceed with the automatic transfer of staff from its call centre, supply chain and IT environments to new employers on 31 March, after unions failed to secure a majority consensus on an additional offer from the company. Persistent industrial action in the form of “go-slows” at Telkom’s call centres also escalated this weekend, with incidents of staff intimidation and walk-outs reported.
Smart Swiss watch to launch
TAG Heuer, Google and Intel are partnering to produce a Swiss smartwatch powered by Intel technology and Android Wear. Together, these companies will create a product that is both luxurious and seamlessly connected to its wearer’s daily life. The product will merge the innovation, creativity and design of Silicon Valley with that of the Watch Valley in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.