August 2, 2025
Tech News
Atos, the French IT group, reported a decline in half-year orders and revenue due to weakened commercial activity in France. Despite this, the company affirmed its sales forecast for 2025 and plans to sell its Advanced Computing division to the French state.
In a significant shift, Microsoft announced it will be ending support for Windows 11 SE, its competitor to Chrome OS, starting October 2026. Originally targeted at educational customers, the operating system failed to gain traction, prompting Microsoft to pivot away from this market segment as Chromebook demand wanes.
Game developer Electronic Arts is preparing to release its highly anticipated title, Battlefield 6, on October 10. The game promises expansive combat zones, featuring immersive gameplay and stunning graphics designed to recapture player interest.
Transitioning from gaming to IT services, Atos recently revealed that its half-year revenue dropped to €4 billion, down from nearly €5 billion the previous year. Despite this setback, the company is optimistic about future order intakes and is refining its contract portfolio to improve profit margins.
As Battlefield 6 gears up for launch, developers emphasize the multiplayer experience that sets the franchise apart from competitors. The new game will feature large-scale maps and destructible environments, allowing players to engage in realistic military strategies across diverse global locales.
Moreover, Atos noted an improvement in its book-to-bill ratio, rising to 83% from 73%. This indicates a positive trend in securing new orders amidst market challenges, reinforcing its commitment to a strategic recovery plan showcasing resilience in fluctuating market conditions.
Tech Explained
Revenue – This refers to the total income generated from business operations. In the context of Atos, a decline in revenue signifies a dip in sales, impacting the company’s overall financial health.
Chromebook – A type of laptop running Chrome OS, designed primarily for web-based tasks. Microsoft’s challenge with Windows 11 SE was to provide a competitive option for educational institutions that typically favor Chromebooks.
Multiplayer – This refers to a gaming experience that allows multiple players to engage simultaneously in the same game environment. Battlefield 6 focuses on this aspect, emphasizing strategic teamwork alongside chaotic combat scenarios.
Book-to-bill ratio – This metric gauges a company’s sales performance by comparing the amount of new orders received to the amount of orders shipped. For Atos, a higher ratio signals a promising future supply of work relative to current output.
High-performance computing – Systems that deliver computational power far beyond that of standard computers, typically used in data-intensive applications like simulations and complex calculations. Atos’ Advanced Computing division includes technologies in this category, crucial for their growth strategy.
