Tesco is speeding the way it prepares and releases new applications across its online business.
The supermarket chain is deploying application release automation software from Nolio. Tesco will use Nolio ASAP as its standard solution for application releases across Tesco.com via its virtualised datacentres.
Vipul Shah, head of release, deployment and software configuration management at Tesco.com, said: "Nolio allows us to greatly speed-up our roll-out processes and ensure higher quality of releases. The product's ease of use is hugely beneficial to us in terms of maintainability and reducing overheads."
Shah said the deployment would support Tesco's core "Go Faster" strategy.
"Nolio ASAP fits in well with this ethos and ensures we have the right mechanism in place to deliver exciting new offerings to our customers," Shah said.
Nolio centralises application release processes by using an XML manifest as its live "system of record" throughout the deployment. The technique, supported by Nolio's Application Release Automation Platform, separates deployment payload data from process. This means that application changes are deployed with nominal manual changes, reducing the risk of human error, preserving the new application architecture as the roll-out progresses, and ensuring a faster time to market.
Earlier this month Tesco rival Sainsbury's announced it would be investing in its IT systems to support and develop its growing online platforms.
Source: www.pcadvisor.co.uk
Tesco offering double Clubcard points cash-in towards cost of new smartphones - Know Your Mobile
Tesco's Phone Shop is now running an offer which will allow you to cash-in your Clubcard Points and get double the value towards the cost of a new smartphone.
Regular shoppers at Tesco supermarkets who have a Clubcard can take part in the ‘Summer Clubcard Voucher Exchange' and buy a variety of handsets from the Tesco Phone Shop.
The deal means your Clubcard points are effectively doubled, cash-in £50 worth of Clubcard points and you can get £100 off an up-front payment for a brand new smartphone, for example.
Amongst the handsets available is the iPhone 4S, which can be had on contract with O2 with unlimited texts and 500MB of data for £21.50 per month and £100 worth of Clubcard points, saving £100 from the usual price.
Samsung's Galaxy S2 can be had for £13.50 per month with unlimited texts, again on and O2 tariff for £50 worth of Clubcard points.
BlackBerry fans can get hold of the Bold 9900 on O2 with unlimited texts, 200 minutes and 500MB of data for £21.50 per month and £50 worth of Clubcard points.
There are plenty of other handsets available through the deal as well. The offer is set to run for one month and ends on June 13 2012.
Source: www.knowyourmobile.com
Essex fire crews to vote on strike action - thurrockgazette.co.uk
Essex fire crews to vote on strike action
12:42pm Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in News By Matt Abbott
THE Chief Fire Officer in Essex has urged firefighters to think carefully before they cast their vote in a ballot over strike action.
Firefighters across Essex are to vote on potential strike action from today as ballot papers are sent out.
By law, crews cannot strike before June 20, seven days after the ballot closes but industrial action could be taken on or soon after this date.
The Essex Fire Brigade Union says the ballot is necessary because the fire authority is imposing changes whilst also planning further cuts.
If proposed cuts to crews are implemented, it would mean that since 2008, one in five frontline fire crews have been cut.
Firefighter response times in Essex are already down one minute on the national average since 2008 and Essex FBU is warning that response times might increase again with the next wave of budget cuts.
In Thurrock, a wholetime specialist rescue crew has already been removed from Grays since 2008 and Del Godfrey-Shaw is concerned that there could be more cuts in the future.
Mr Godfrey Shaw, a firefighter at the Grays station and regional official for the FBU said: “We can’t specifically say where job cuts will be. It could be any where where managment may reduce watch.
“That could be here in Thurrock, it could be in Tendring it could be anywhere. We don’t know.
“There is lots of uncertainty and lots of frustration amongst firefighters here.”
The FBU say that whilst there have been cuts to front line fire crews, millions of pounds of tax payers money is being spent on expansion of the headquarters.
In a short video to firefighters, David Johnson, the Essex Fire Brigade chief officer called potential strike action “unfair on communities we serve”. He said: “We are a very good fire rescue service with some of the best firefighters and best equipment in the world.
“I need you to work with me to keep that going. We are ready to sit down and talk to to the FBU to resolve this dispute.
“I would urge you to support us in that.”
Mike Rogers, FBU brigade secretary said: “Essex fire crews are furious at what is going on and will be giving their verdict on cuts and imposed changes.
“Managers need to get their heads out of the sand and realise the strength of feeling.
“There is still time enough to resolve the issues between us and we are now asking the Chair to the Fire Authority to use his good offices to remove the barriers to serious talks getting underway.”
Source: www.thurrockgazette.co.uk
Morrisons to relaunch in-store bakeries - Retail Bulletin
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Morrisons is relaunching its in-store bakeries at the end of this month as it looks to meet demand from its customers for more artisan products at an affordable price.
The supermarket’s in-store bakers will introduce over 30 new lines including products such as hand-dimpled Focaccia, Tiger Paw, Sourdough Boule and Chocolate Twists. In addition, over 40 lines will be improved after the implementation of a benchmarking process.
As well as streamlining the range and introducing new and improved products, the packaging is being refreshed to reflect the new 'look and feel' of the bakery. Rustic-looking paper and unbleached cardboard will be used to wrap the products and reinforce the supermarket’s 'Baked by Us' message.
Andy Clegg, Morrisons’ bakery buying manager, said: "Our in-store bakery will have a new look, new packaging and industry-leading products that will provide our customers with both a compelling offer and great value for money. Thanks to our skilled bakers we are able to offer a more artisian experience in order to give customers more of the things they want – great food that’s affordable for everyone."
The new launch is part of a two-year own brand review by Morrisons that will see the supermarket’s brand tiering evolve from a ‘good-better-best’ model to one that better reflects its customers' needs.
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Source: www.theretailbulletin.com
Morrisons ponders feedback ahead of application (From This Is Local London) - This is london Calling
Morrisons ponders feedback ahead of Weybridge store application
7:30am Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in News By Louise Robertson
Supermarket chain Morrisons is considering feedback from a series of public consultations ahead of a formal planning application.
The company wants to develop the former Focus DIY site in Weybridge into a new food store.
Plans at the public exhibitions on May 10, 11 and 12 showed draft plans proposing to bring the chain’s “store of the future” scheme to the town.
The store plans to stock up to 600 lines of fresh produce and wants 220 parking spaces, offering 1.5 hours of free parking to encourage trips to other shops in the high street.
Richard Haynes, development executive for Morrisons, said: “We’re delighted that so many people attended our public exhibition and we are currently analysing the hundreds of comments received.
“We are very grateful to everyone who submitted feedback for taking the time to give us their views and for helping us to improve and refine the scheme, ultimately making it better.”
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Source: www.thisislocallondon.co.uk
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