NEC Australia is the latest company to become a strategic partner in Microsoft's Azure IoT (Internet of Things) program. [ + ]

Reports of a three-month wait for connection to the National Broadband Network (NBN) are circulating, with nbn co and service providers acknowledging that "recently escalated" demand has resulted in "unexpected delays". [ + ]

The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) offers users a quick and easy way to identify the licences and permits required to run a specific business within Australia. [ + ]

The Department of Industry Innovation and Science is conducting a review of the fees charged under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012. Fees are reviewed every three years to facilitate a move towards full cost recovery over time. [ + ]

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has issued an announcement welcoming the Turnbull government's commitment to innovation through the establishment of the $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund and the retention of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. [ + ]

Juniper Research is forecasting that 17 million hybrid and electric vehicles will be on the road by 2020. Last year, the projection was for 12 million, but the researcher said that increasingly aggressive go-to-market strategies are addressing the main consumer concern — expected range from a fully charged vehicle. [ + ]

Brother Industries Ltd has won the iF Design Award 2016 across four categories including the Inkjet Multi-Function and Labelling categories. This is the ninth consecutive year the company has been named as a winner and can now received a total of 55 awards. [ + ]

Uber-like payments are now available through hipages, enabling consumers to book and pay tradies by simply using an app. [ + ]

Xplore Technologies CEO and Chairman Philip Sassower has been named one of the 20 most influential people in field service (2016 edition) by Field Services News. [ + ]

Renewable technology company Enphase Energy is preparing to launch its home energy solutions to New Zealand with a US$4.4m expansion to its Christchurch R&D facility. [ + ]

The engine recall process for Australian Volkswagen vehicles affected by the well-publicised emissions issue has commenced. Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) has advised that 8694 Amarok utility vehicles are first in line for modification, with other models to follow in coming months. [ + ]

Scania Australia advises that certain trucks in the R series may feature backrests that have been supplied with lower durability due to a deviation in the processes of their supplier. [ + ]

The recent death of a WA worker has prompted an electrical safety warning about power in ceilings from Master Electricians Australia. [ + ]

South Australia is leading the nation in the uptake of renewable energy, says the Clean Energy Council, but the transition is not without its challenges. [ + ]

The slashing of red tape and administrative burdens is good news for electrical contractors, said NECA, following the government's announcement it has made big savings from regulatory reforms. [ + ]