Many businesses are confused by the diverse offerings of cloud computing. However, for next generation EDI, the ‘managed cloud’ is a simple notion, as Steve Rees explains.

Cloud computing is a remarkable phenomenon, with analysts at IDC predicting public cloud computing services to be a $73 billion market by 2015. However, many CIOs are still puzzled by the term and may not yet be familiar with how appropriate ‘the cloud’ is for certain business IT functions. Concerns over security, too, remain an issue for some.

Most businesses know that intellectual property (IP) is important; but many are not really sure how to make the most of it. Yet a comprehensive IP strategy affects just about every aspect of a company’s day-to-day business, says Jackie Maguire, CEO of Coller IP.

When it comes to tackling IP, there are three key issues to consider. Firstly, understanding what you have and the value of it. Secondly, protecting it. And finally, looking at how to enhance and exploit it.

Ivanhoe Mines, Rio Tinto and the government of Mongolia have reached an agreement on the stakeholding of the Oyu Tolgoi project in the Asian country.

The government was seeking to raise its stake in the mine, which is expected to go into production during the third quarter of next year, from 34 per cent to 50 per cent.

The government has now agreed for its stake to remain at 34 per cent.

Tributes are pouring in from all over the world after the death of iconic Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs yesterday at the age of 56.

Premier Oil is to acquire EnCore Oil for approximately £221 million, the two companies have announced.

London, UK-based Premier said the acquisition is in line with its strategy of acquiring high quality assets. The deal will increase its interest in UK Licence PL1430, including the Catcher field, by 15 per cent, taking its overall interest to 50 per cent. It will also provide Premier with operatorship of the Catcher area.

Catcher is one of the largest discoveries in the UK North Sea in recent years.

SunPower Corp expects to start construction on the 25-megawatt McHenry Solar Farm in Modesto, California before the end of the year, according to an announcement made today.

The solar photovoltaic power project received unanimous approval by the Stanislaus County planning commission on September 15, 2011. During construction, it is expected to create up to 144 construction jobs and inject approximately $18.7 million into the local economy.

Dubai-based port operator DP World has announced that London Gateway, the UK’s newest port, is due to open in the fourth quarter of 2013.

The port will have an initial capacity of 1.6 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units), and is expected to boost the UK’s economy by an estimated £3.2 billion per annum.

Canadian engineering, construction and infrastructure group SNC-Lavalin has acquired Interfleet Technology, an international rail technology consultancy group headquartered in Derby, United Kingdom.

Interfleet specializes in rolling stock, railway systems and strategic railway management.

Neil Robinson, managing director of WearCheck, talks to Jayne Alverca about the value the company can add to a myriad of operations that rely on oil-lubricated plant and equipment.