Spark Stories

Australian Stories

Spark stories

Cisco launches Data Fabric to harness machine data for AI era

Cisco unveils Data Fabric, a new architecture using machine data to boost AI capabilities, powered by the Splunk platform and launching advanced real-time insights.

By Melvin Hipolito • 5 min read • Wed, 10th Sep 2025

Data Analytics

Core tech skills still key for Australian jobs in 2025

Traditional tech skills like SQL, Python and cloud platforms remain crucial for Australian digital jobs in 2025, despite growing interest in AI, says new research.

By Jed Nykolle Harme • 4 min read • Thu, 5th Jun 2025

Global Stories

Spark stories

Data Analytics

Ataccama joins Databricks Marketplace with MCP Server

The tie-up gives Databricks users quality and lineage checks for AI workflows, helping teams spot risky data before it reaches models.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Last week

Hybrid Cloud

Google Cloud launches Agentic Data Cloud for AI agents

The new tools could let firms’ AI agents act on live data more securely across clouds, while cutting rebooking from hours to minutes.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Thu, 23rd Apr 2026

Data Analytics

Kumo launches KumoRFM-2 for enterprise relational data

Businesses could cut feature engineering as KumoRFM-2 queries connected tables directly and handles datasets of more than 500 billion rows.

By Catherine Knowles • 4 min read • Wed, 15th Apr 2026

Private Cloud

Cisco launches Data Fabric to unify machine data for AI insights

Cisco launches Data Fabric platform, unifying machine data to streamline AI model training, automated workflows and real-time operational insights for enterprises.

By Jed Nykolle Harme • 5 min read • Wed, 10th Sep 2025

Stories from Other Regions

Spark stories

Unified Communications

One NZ tops New Zealand mobile rankings for fifth year

Customers saw One NZ extend its five-year lead after umlaut ranked it ahead of rivals in every category across New Zealand.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • This month

Customer Relationship Management

Inde Technology appoints Steve Hall as service lead

Demand for more accountable managed services is rising as New Zealand clients seek local support and stronger customer relationships.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Last month

Data Protection

Microsoft expands AI skills drive across New Zealand

The expansion follows early uptake of Microsoft’s previous pledge, as demand for AI training rises across business, schools and community groups.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026

Unified Communications

Tuanz warns New Zealand of widening digital safety gaps

Schools, households and agencies face uneven access and safety online as TUANZ urges a national rethink over AI, curriculum and mobile coverage.

By Kaleah Salmon • 4 min read • Fri, 10th Apr 2026

Robotics

Spark & Ericsson launch private 5G to boost NZ industry

Spark and Ericsson launch private 5G service in New Zealand, enhancing industrial connectivity for automation and digital transformation across key sectors.

By Melvin Hipolito • 4 min read • Mon, 3rd Nov 2025

Hyperscale

New Zealand's chance to lead in green datacentres

New Zealand stands poised to lead in sustainable data centres, harnessing 85% renewable energy to power AI growth worth NZD $3.4b annually by 2035.

By Ollie Hill • 4 min read • Wed, 22nd Oct 2025

Esri

New service boosts network visibility for emergency services

New Zealand emergency services gain real-time and forecast cellular network visibility via Next Generation Critical Communications' new service aiding operational planning.

By Kaleah Salmon • 3 min read • Thu, 18th Sep 2025

Cloud Services

Spark launches kid-focused mobile plan with parental controls

Spark launches the Kids Plan, a NZD $20 monthly mobile plan with parental controls and access to digital parenting resources for families.

By Melvin Hipolito • 5 min read • Mon, 4th Aug 2025

Network Infrastructure

Steven Lawrence named Chief Technical Director at NGCC

Steven Lawrence has been appointed Chief Technical Director at NGCC to lead New Zealand's Public Safety Network cellular services expansion.

By Melvin Hipolito • 3 min read • Mon, 14th Jul 2025

Cybersecurity

New government 'alliance' formed to combat online scammers

New Zealand's government forms 'Anti-Scam Alliance' with banks, police and tech firms to tackle online scams through real-time data sharing.

By Craig McCulloch • 2 min read • Fri, 11th Jul 2025

Unified Communications

New Zealanders switch providers as broadband & power costs rise

New Zealanders face rising broadband and power costs this winter, prompting a surge in provider switches as households seek to cut bills amid the cost-of-living crisis.

By Melania Watson • 3 min read • Thu, 19th Jun 2025