August 2014 has official begun and with it comes a vast amount of tech news.
West Africa has been hit by a vicious outbreak of Ebola. If you would like to gain more insight to what is happening across the country then be sure to check out our coverage.
This week in tech we saw UbuntuNet reveal a new research network in Africa. In addition to this, Vodacom Business unveiled a new data centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
We also had the opportunity to review the latest mobile device from HTC, the HTC One M8.
While social networking has boomed across Africa, we saw social networking giant Facebook launch a new app in Zambia.
Have a great weekend from the team at IT News Africa.
News
West Africa Outbreak: Get the Facts on the Ebola Virus
West Africa has been hit hard by an outbreak of the Ebola virus. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 57 new deaths have occurred up until July 27 in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. This has brought the total death toll to 729. The WHO says the total number of Ebola cases now exceeds 1,300. Read More.
UbuntuNet reveals new research network in Africa
The Ubuntu Alliance and European research network Dante have commissioned the UbuntuNet network. The network is a a regional high-speed internet network that will connect educators, students and researchers in southern and eastern Africa to their peers both regionally and in Europe. Read More.
MultiChoice & Eutelsat to expand DStv
Eutelsat Communications and MultiChoice Africa have signed an agreement that is expected to ensure the continuous expansion of the DStv platform. The deal is expected to have a duration of 15 years. The multi-transponder contract further anchors Eutelsat’s neighbourhood of high-power satellites as the key point of reference for broadcasting in sub-Saharan Africa. Read More.
Facebook launches new App in Zambia
Facebook has launched a new mobile app that allows users in Zambia to gain free access to a handful of online services on their mobile devices. The app is intended to boost Internet usage in underdeveloped countries. Read More.
Vodacom Business unveils new data centre
Vodacom Business has opened a new data centre in Midrand, which is in line with Vodacom’s new cloud strategy. The facility is designed to meet the increased demand for hosted services across the country. Read More.
Swaziland: Users bypass censored media with Social Media
Tech savvy individuals have turned to social media websites like Facebook and Twitter in order to access news that is not censored or governed in any way. Read More.
Nigeria: Security forces nab $6 million Facebook fraudster
Nigerian security forces have allegedly arrested a suspected internet fraudster. The fraudster has been accused of stealing $6 million from people who thought were paying fees to apply for government jobs. Read More.
Interviews
Video Interview: Isaac Mophatlane – CEO, Business Connexion
In 1996, Isaac co-founded the former Business Connection, a computer reseller focused on Government and parastatals with his twin brother, Benjamin, which subsequently merged with Seattle Solutions in 2001. In 2004, the company merged with Comparex Africa and he was appointed as Group Executive: Client Engagement – Public Sector. Read More.
Opinions
Data Scientists and Chief Data Officers – fact or fad?
When a new job title is created and introduced to an organisation, the immediate response is typically a combination of apprehension, confusion and sometimes rejection. It’s not unusual for people to scrutinise the role, question the business need and worry about how it will affect them. Read More.
Solving the VDI deployment nightmare
Back in 2009, Gartner predicted there would be 49 million VDI users by the end of 2013. From what we’ve noticed at Tintri, VDI deployments are constantly on the rise as more customers recognise the advantages of VDI every day. The advantages of VDI are clear – Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) promises much for organisations seeking to deliver secure, cost effective remote access to desktops and applications. Read More.
Gadgets, Gaming and Reviews
Review: HTC One M8 Smartphone
HTC has ventured back into the African market with its latest smartphone device, the HTC One M8. While the market is already swamped with a multitude of choices, when it comes to devices and smartphones, is the latest device from HTC worth checking out? Read More.
PlayStation Plus Free Game Lineup August 2014
July was an absolutely epic month when it came to the PlayStation Plus Free Game Lineup. We had the chance to get our hands on Dead Space 3, TowerFall Ascension, Strider, and Doki Doki Universe… among many others. When it comes to the epicness factor, does the PlayStation Plus August 2014 Free Game Lineup live up the month July? Well, it’s time to find out. Read More.
Super-group of quadrocopters to be showcased in SA
A super-group of quadrocopters that work together and operate without remote control, are on their way to Cape Town to demonstrate their astonishing manoeuvres and feats. The roboticists that make these machines dance, build towers, catch balls and juggle poles are based at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ), but will be in SA at end-August to give a free demonstration at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Read More.
Darryl Linington – Online Editor
