Each week, News editor Sandra Rossi distils the flow of inside information into the stories that make up GBU and Computerworld's news pages. Tipsters, whose identity remains completely confidential, receive an exclusive GBU mug, the proud possession of a select few. So what's hot in your IT world?
The Good
The South Australian Government has decided to make its ministers available for public questioning over the Internet. The regular online discussions, dubbed Talking Point, began last week with Information Economy Minister Michael Armitage hosting the first online chat, taking questions from the public and responding in real time (www.talkingpoint.sa.gov.au).
The Bad
Deloitte Forensic's national forensic leader Tim Phillips believes we have become desensitised to the true meaning of the "F" word. He blames it on over-confidence. "We are all familiar with some of those grand, unshakeable promises designed to engender an element of security and trust. Unfortunately, some of those in the corporate sector have too often tended to instil false confidence on the issue of deceptive behaviour."
Oh the "F" word he was referring to, was Fraud.
The Ugly
The University of Cambridge in the UK is considering possible legal action against Oracle and KPMG Consulting for a faulty computer system that the university estimates it spent £9 million ($25.3 million) installing, with the aid of the two companies. The university has published a report claiming it spent five years and over twice as much money as it had budgeted on a computerised financial system which doesn't work. While primary blame has been directed at the university's management the finger is also being pointed at Oracle and KPMG.
E-mail your hot news tips to Sandra_Rossi@idg.com.au and receive an exclusive GBU mug