Current Most Read

Google's £32 Billion Bet on Cloud Security: What Wiz Means for the Future of Alphabet

A Look Back at the Most Iconic British TV Adverts of the 2000s

The Rah Invasion: How Out-of-Touch Posh Students Are Ruining Working-Class University Towns

Unveiling the Traditions and Origins of Boxing Day - A Post-Christmas Celebration

Dec 19, 20232 min read

White text saying BOXING DAY on a wooden table with some Christmas presents in the corner

Boxing Day is a celebrated holiday originating in Great Britain, observed not only there but also in several Commonwealth nations. Falling on December 26th, this day is marked by unique traditions and activities that have evolved over time.

When is Boxing Day?

Traditionally, Boxing Day occurs on December 26th, but if this date falls on a weekend, the associated bank holiday or public holiday is observed on December 28th to ensure it aligns with a weekday.

Where Did Boxing Day originate from?

The origins of Boxing Day trace back to the Victorian era. During Queen Victoria's reign, it became a day of philanthropy and appreciation. Wealthy individuals would pack items they no longer needed into boxes, generously gifting them to the less fortunate. Servants were granted a well-deserved day off and were often presented with a special box of treats as a token of gratitude for their hard work.

Why is it called Boxing Day?

One theory suggests that the name comes from the practice of boxing up gifts for easier transportation. Another theory revolves around opening alms boxes in churches during the holiday season to collect money for the impoverished.

Left over Christmas Food on a paper plate

How do people celebrate Boxing Day?

In England, Boxing Day is marked by a tapestry of traditions and activities that foster a festive spirit:

Family Gatherings: Families come together to share meals and enjoy each other's company, continuing the holiday cheer.

Sports and Outdoor Activities: Many embrace the outdoors with long walks, hikes, and traditional sports like football and horse racing.

Charity Events: Reflecting its historical roots, some individuals and communities engage in charitable activities, such as volunteering or organising fundraising events.

Shopping Traditions: Boxing Day has transformed into a shopping holiday, featuring significant discounts. Retailers offer sales, and bargain hunters seize the opportunity to score discounted goods.

Entertainment: Emphasising relaxation, people indulge in various forms of entertainment, from watching movies to playing games.

Leftover Feasts: The day continues the joy of Christmas feasts, with families savouring delicious leftovers and sharing culinary delights.

Boxing Day, with its rich history and diverse celebrations, has evolved into a day that blends generosity, outdoor activities, and modern shopping traditions. It stands as a unique post-Christmas celebration that brings people together in the spirit of giving and merriment.

Google's £32 Billion Bet on Cloud Security: What Wiz Means for the Future of Alphabet

All Articles

19 March 2025

Connor Banks

Want your article or story on our site? Contact us here

In a landmark move, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has announced its largest acquisition to date: a £32 billion all-cash deal to purchase Wiz, a fast-growing cloud security start-up. This strategic acquisition not only highlights the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the AI era but also signals Google’s ambition to challenge Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure in the multi-billion-pound cloud computing market.

A Strategic Play for Cybersecurity Dominance

Wiz, founded in 2020 by cybersecurity veterans, has rapidly ascended as a key player in cloud security. The company specialises in providing tools that help organisations detect and mitigate security risks across major cloud platforms—including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Wiz’s emphasis on a multi-cloud approach has made it particularly attractive in a world where enterprises often rely on multiple cloud providers.

By acquiring Wiz, Google is making a bold statement: Security is now a top priority in its cloud strategy. This comes at a time when cybersecurity threats are escalating and businesses demand more robust protection against breaches, ransomware, and AI-driven attacks.

Why Google Needs Wiz

Despite being a tech giant, Google Cloud remains the third-largest cloud provider, trailing behind AWS and Microsoft Azure. While Google has made significant strides in AI and data analytics, it has struggled to gain an edge in cloud security—a crucial factor for enterprise clients.

Enhanced Security Portfolio: Wiz’s platform will strengthen Google Cloud’s security offerings, making it more competitive against Microsoft, which has invested heavily in security solutions.
Multi-Cloud Expansion: Unlike some past Google acquisitions that were integrated exclusively into Google’s ecosystem, Wiz will continue to support AWS and Azure, helping Google maintain a presence in rival platforms.
AI-Driven Security Solutions: With Google at the forefront of AI, Wiz’s security capabilities can be enhanced using AI-powered threat detection and automation, setting a new industry standard.

Regulatory & Competitive Challenges

However, this deal is not without challenges. Given the £32 billion price tag, Alphabet will face scrutiny from regulators in the UK, the US, and Europe, who may investigate the acquisition for potential anti-competitive concerns. Additionally, the move is expected to intensify competition with Microsoft and Amazon, both of whom have also been ramping up their cybersecurity investments.

While Wiz’s commitment to multi-cloud compatibility is a selling point, there is always the risk that competitors could respond aggressively, either by developing competing technologies or challenging the acquisition on regulatory grounds.

What This Means for the Future of Google

Alphabet’s bet on Wiz highlights a broader shift in Google’s business strategy:

Cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought—it’s a centrepiece of cloud innovation.
Google Cloud is evolving into a true enterprise powerhouse, aiming to take market share from AWS and Microsoft.
AI and security will increasingly converge, with Google leading the charge in developing AI-driven security solutions.

With the deal expected to close in 2026, all eyes will be on how Google integrates Wiz’s platform and whether this move will finally tip the balance in the cloud computing wars.

Conclusion

Google’s acquisition of Wiz is more than just a big-ticket purchase—it’s a strategic shift that underscores the growing role of security, AI, and multi-cloud infrastructure in the future of cloud computing. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how well Google can execute its vision and convince enterprise customers that it is the safest and smartest choice for their cloud needs.