Latest news with #PeterWard
Techday NZ
13 hours ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
DataSentinel appoints Peter Ward to boost Australian services
DataSentinel has appointed Peter Ward as Strategic Advisor to support its expansion and service delivery in Australia. The decision comes as DataSentinel seeks to meet increasing demand for specialist data and analytics services from Australian organisations and aims to enhance its partner ecosystem across the country. Peter Ward, widely recognised in the data industry, previously established Wardy IT Solutions in 2004, growing it into a prominent SQL Server consulting and managed services provider before its acquisition by MOQdigital, an Australian Stock Exchange-listed company, in 2019. He has since held several advisory and leadership positions within the data and technology sector, including roles at MOQdigital and Dijital Team. Ward is known in professional circles as a long-term Microsoft Data Platform MVP and is regarded as a respected authority on data platform modernisation, analytics, and governance in the region. Paul Capstick, Chief Executive Officer of DataSentinel, highlighted the significance of Ward's appointment in a statement. "Peter's track record building Wardy IT Solutions into Australia's leading SQL Server consultancy, and guiding multiple technology ventures since, will be invaluable as we deepen our relationships with Australian partners and customers," said Capstick. "He understands the unique pressures IT leaders face, and how partners can bring lasting value to their customers when they're equipped with the right data expertise." The new appointment is part of DataSentinel's approach to addressing shifts in how organisations manage, govern, and capitalise on data assets. According to analysis from industry bodies, worldwide data and analytics services are forecast to exceed USD $150 billion in 2025, with Australia and New Zealand cited among the fastest-growing markets. IDC research suggests that by 2026, 80% of organisations in the Asia-Pacific region will have formal data governance frameworks in place, prompted by requirements to support artificial intelligence projects and meet stricter regulatory obligations. In this landscape, Australian businesses are facing increasing complexity. The expansion of cloud platforms, greater data volumes, and growing expectations for real-time insights are contributing to the need for specialist skills and services. Many enterprises now seek partners with a strong technology foundation and the capacity to offer both operational support and strategic guidance. Founded in New Zealand in 2019, DataSentinel has provided managed database services, consulting, and analytics support across Australasia, formalising its presence in Australia recently. The company now works with a growing base of commercial and public sector clients in both countries. DataSentinel's approach emphasises supporting IT service providers—including managed service providers, system integrators, and cloud specialists—by enabling them to deliver database and analytics solutions without developing in-house capabilities. "Partners are under pressure to broaden their services and address their customers' evolving data needs, especially as generative AI and data science become boardroom priorities," said Capstick. "By working with DataSentinel, they can tap into deep technical expertise while maintaining ownership of the customer relationship." As Strategic Advisor, Ward will collaborate closely with DataSentinel's leadership, shaping the business's Australian strategy, engaging with partners, and assisting with new service development. "I'm excited to work with DataSentinel's talented team," said Peter Ward. "Their reputation for practical, outcomes-driven database and analytics services is already resonating in Australia. Together we can help more organisations modernise their data estates and use insights to accelerate growth." The increasing reliance of businesses on data as a strategic asset brings new challenges. Many organisations confront hurdles such as shortages in specialist skills, legacy technology constraints, and a more demanding regulatory environment. "The data landscape is more complex than ever, and businesses are looking for trusted advisors who can help them navigate it," said Ward. "DataSentinel is well positioned to play that role, with a proven track record and a partner-centric model that scales." DataSentinel anticipates ongoing growth across its Australasian operations and plans to further expand its partnership network in the year ahead. The company aims to assist more Australian organisations in improving their data management, governance, and analysis capabilities in response to evolving market requirements and technological developments.
The Journal
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
New Defence Bill: Suspensions of military personnel and raft of provisions for foreign missions
THE BILL FOR new defence legislation allowing for the suspensions of military personnel under investigation by gardaí and the scrapping of the Triple Lock has been published. The General Scheme of the new Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 was published last week by the Government. The 41 page document outlines the changes to the statute governing how Defence Forces personnel are deployed on foreign missions, interact with international organisations and how discipline is dealt with across the military. The proposed legislation will begin its legislative scrutiny this Thursday and it is expected to be passed through the Oireachtas by the summer recess. Suspensions One of the key measures to be introduced is around how military members can be suspended from service by the Chief of Staff if they are under investigation. This solves an issue around enlisted members and officers who are in trouble with civilian authorities – including in cases where they are charged, but not yet convicted of a serious criminal offence. It also obliges personnel to tell their commanding officer if they are under investigation in connection with a criminal offence. They must also keep that officer informed of the progress of the investigation. The law provides for the Minister for Defence to make regulations around suspensions. The lack of a legal basis for suspensions was identified in the Ward Report . A temporary fix was identified in which soldiers would be placed on leave. This new power, similar to that of the garda commissioner, would be used by the leader of the military. Peter Ward, a senior counsel, was commissioned by the Government in the wake of the Cathal Crotty case . Crotty was a soldier who was convicted of a serious assault on Limerick woman Natasha O'Brien. Advertisement There was another case identified by The Journal in which a naval service member was not dismissed after an assault conviction . The Ward report identified that there was a problem of military personnel not telling their commanding officer that they were before the courts or under criminal investigation. The Ward report had identified that there was a problem of data sharing between State entities such as gardaí and the courts service. Triple Lock axed The new Bill would also codify how Irish troops are deployed – removing the so-called Triple Lock measure which only allows deployment of troops if the UN Security Council makes a resolution and that this must be matched by Government approval and a vote of the Dáil. It would end that and introduce a new system where the Government decides if the mission fits the UN Charter and in general international law. It would then be sent to the Dáil for a vote. A number of provisions look at the Defence Forces involvement with foreign operations, training missions and liaisons with military orientated foreign groups such as the United Nations, European Union and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The Bill defines an 'international force' as a body established, led or controlled, the UN, OSCE, EU or other regional groups. While NATO isn't specifically identified in the Bill there is a subsection which states 'any other regional arrangement or body'. One of the key provisions is that it will increase automatic despatches of troops from 12 personnel to 50. The Journal understands one example of this is the deployment of a team of Army Ranger Wing (ARW) operators and their support staff on hostage rescues or close protection duties. In the past the ARW has provided security at embassies and there is a provision in Head Seven which makes this possible – it is understood that Military Police are also being considered in the military for this role. The Bill also said that Irish troops can take part in counter narcotics operations and participation in training or in sporting events. The Bill states that any international force the Defence Forces is participating in would be for the 'purposes of peace-keeping, conflict prevention, and strengthening international security' – it would have to be consistent with the principles of the UN Charter. The force, the Bill states, will 'contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
