Spark Stories

Global Stories

Spark stories

Cloudera, VAST Data team up to tackle AI bottlenecks

Enterprises could see better GPU use as the partnership aims to cut data delays that slow AI training, inference and analytics.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last month

Data Protection

Valtech launches Nexus SDV platform for connected cars

Carmakers could cut warranty costs and breakdowns as the open-source system unifies telemetry, maintenance and service data in one stack.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month

Crypto

Robinhood launches chain & stock tokens in 120 countries

The launch broadens access to tokenised shares and round-the-clock trading as the platform pushes deeper into DeFi outside the US.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last month

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 • Fri, 19th Jun 2026

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

5G & Beyond

Motorola launches seven smartphones in New Zealand

Buyers in New Zealand gain a wider choice of Motorola handsets, with seven new models spanning entry-level 5G phones to a NZD $3,499 foldable.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month

eCommerce

JBL launches Live 780NC & 680NC headphone models in NZ

Noise-cancelling earbuds rivalled by new wireless cans in New Zealand as JBL targets commuters and home workers with longer battery life.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Tue, 30th Jun 2026

Unified Communications

HP New Zealand appoints Daniel Roberts as Head of Enterprise

Businesses in New Zealand want better productivity and AI support, and HP has named a veteran executive to help meet that demand.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Wed, 24th Jun 2026

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 • Wed, 10th Jun 2026

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 • Mon, 25th May 2026

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

DevOps

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