Apple iPad's Micro-SIMs Accused of Lock-In

Apple's choice of a little-used micro-SIM standard in its iPad could reveal which operators stand to get the device - and profit from locking users in Apple iPad users will have a limited choice of operators if they want mobile broadband, as Apple has opted for an obscure mobile standard specifying micro-SIMs different from any other device in its newly launched tablet device.

Apple's decision to opt for the relatively new micro-SIM to serve the iPad’s 3G functionality has helped fuel rumours about UK operators for the device, since both O2 and Orange have both placed large orders for the micro SIM cards with SIM supplier Gemalto.

This could mean that these two UK operators are leading the pack to be the first to land the iPad.

However the use of micro-SIMs means that, even if the iPad arrives unlocked in the UK, users will be forced to buy the cards from specific mobile operators to ensure 3G connectivity for their device - even though Apple boss Steve Jobs specifically bragged that the iPad will be sold unlocked.

Consumers will in effect be presented with a classic Hobson's Choice. Users will not be able to take the 3G SIM out of their mobile phones for example, and put it into the iPad for (essentially) free mobile browsing. Instead, they will be forced to get a micro SIM from a mobile operator.

The move should also secure Apple and its chosen international mobile carriers, a healthy revenue stream.

The iPad comes in two versions - one with Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities. The Wi-Fi-enabled version of the iPad will be available worldwide in late March for a recommended retail price of $499 (£307) for the basic 16GB model. The 32GB model will sell for $599 (£369), and the 64GB model will cost $699 (£430).

That said, the iPad does come with Bluetooth, but it is unlikely iPad will support Bluetooth tethering to a smartphone.

ID card officials back away from scandal-hit database

Government plans to store ID card biometrics data on a controversial system used by thousands of public workers might be scrapped.

The Home Office has confirmed it is reconsidering plans to use the Customer Information System system to store biometric data for the ID card scheme.

The Customer Information System (CIS) - which is run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) - has yet to meet the Cabinet Office's latest standards on IT security, we have learned.

As revealed in August that thirty four council staff accessed the CIS database to snoop on the personal records of celebrities and acquaintances. Nine of the council workers were sacked.

The CIS database holds information on 85 million citizens, and is the government's main citizen database. It is available to 140,000 users from eight government departments, and to 445 local authorities.

But it is proving difficult for the Department of Work of Pensions to allow thousands of public workers and local authorities to access the CIS Oracle-based database, yet keep it demonstrably secure.

The Home Office revealed plans to use the CIS system for ID cards in December 2006 in its Strategic Action Plan for the National Identity Scheme.

In the Strategic Action Plan for the National Identity Scheme, the Home Office said: "We plan to use DWP's Customer Information System (CIS) technology, subject to the successful completion of technical feasibility work," for National Identity Register biographical information.

It added: "DWP's CIS technology is already used to hold records for everyone who has a National Insurance number - i.e. nearly everyone in the UK."

The Home Office planned to separate DWP's citizen data on the CIS information from the biometrics store being built up on the National Identity Register.

Now the government plans to avoid using CIS for the ID card scheme, if possible. A spokesman for the Home Office said using CIS is no more than an option for the future.

He said the possibility of using CIS will not be considered until the system has full security accreditation, which is due in 2010 at the earliest.

The Home Office will store biometric information for ID cards on a database run by Thales, one of the main contractors for the ID card scheme.

Officials had planned to use CIS for the ID card scheme to save money. It would have allowed the government to avoid building an entirely new system and security architecture.

But we have learned that the security of the CIS has been so discredited that officials are keen to distance the ID card scheme from it, even if this means paying for a new system from scratch.

U.K. VARs Face Stormy 2008

Source: ChannelInsider

The year ahead could be tough for U.K. solution providers if they don't cut costs or go niche.

U.K. VARs have been told to batten down the hatches for a tough 2008 by channel analyst firm Plimsoll Consulting.
The uncertain economy in both the United Kingdom and the United States is driving solution providers to sit tight and weather the possible storm, and some will need to make quick cost cuts if they are to survive, according to David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll. However, he said, others will be able to take advantage of the economy by making acquisitions at bargain prices.
"With pressure on sales certain to come, some companies will need to cut costs in 2008. Sadly, for most the term 'cost cutting' translates into 'job losses,'" Pattison said. "Ernst and Young is already offering services to help firms implement cost reduction programs, and more of this will come as the pressure increases. My advice is to reduce costs as part of a planned long-term strategy, rather than doing so in panic mode. But don't be too hasty—2007 was not a bad year overall, with margins averaging 1.9 percent."
He said growth in the U.K. IT reseller sector in 2007 has been minimal, at 0.5 percent, with 49 percent of companies seeing sales decline. However, Pattison noted also that smaller firms, with a turnover of £3m or less, lost out on sales but still enjoyed healthy margins by keeping their costs under control and by carving out a specialist area in the market. "These firms have managed to do very nicely for themselves by trading in niche products. This trend has been an important factor since 2006, and I see no reason why it shouldn't continue," he added.
Pattison said at the other end of the scale there has never been a better time to go on the offensive. "Companies with large cash surpluses will be able to make some dirt-cheap acquisitions in 2008 as others begin to fail," he said. "The predators in cases like this are likely to see growth much greater than the industry average during the coming 12 months. Takeover targets are probably relatively safe for the next few months, but once the early jitters of 2008 are over, the buyers will circle and pounce."