Optus announces ultimate IT challenge winners

IT teams developing iPhone applications to solve common business problems have dominated the field of winners in Optus' ultimate IT challenge, with four Australian businesses sharing $100,000 in prizes.

The system makes use of an open source operating system and open source software to enable the use of thin client devices in-store. Centralised 'online' backups use the rsync protocol and proactive monitoring. The team has as well created a private cloud to facilitate centralised open office and Internet Explorer delivery to the retail POS infrastructure in stores.

Melbourne-based charity FareShare and 13CABS were recognised for developing iPhone apps; with FareShare developing an app to improve communication between its head office and delivery fleet, and 13CABS achieving a streamlined booking service and improving customer service through the development of its iPhone app.

Statement from the telco

In a statement from the telco, Optus outlined the key challenges that entrants face on a day to day basis, with reducing operational costs, enabling business productivity and leveraging cloud computing reaching the top of the list.

The news comes as chief executive of Sydney-based Viva La Mobile, Jamie Conyngham, last year told Computerworld Australia that the popularity of app stores had decreased as consumers were looking to buy apps directly from phone carriers.

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