Computer Weekly – Government plans to launch cloud next year
The Government is creating a blueprint for its private cloud infrastructure and expects to launch across the public sector next year. Working with 100 IT firms on the architecture dubbed the g-cloud, John Suffolk, Her Majesty’s Government CIO told Computer Weekly that he hopes the service will lower IT expenditure.

Computer Weekly – Nokia to shut high street shops to focus on online sales
Nokia is closing its high street retail outlets worldwide in favour of an reinvigorated online sales strategy and greater use of mobile network operators’ retail outlets.

BBC – UK trails on super-fast broadband say OECD figures
The UK is trailing when it comes to next-generation access, new figures show. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the UK is places 21st out of 30 in terms of speed.

CRN – Channel delight at scaled-back NPfIT
Public sector VARs have welcomed news the government could scrap its £12.7bn NHS National Programme for IT.

The Financial Times – Loophole to be closed on UK broadband tax
Ministers are seeking to close a potential loophole in the government’s planned broadband tax by saying consumers should pay the levy even if they only use their phone lines for internet services.