Microsoft has announced a $3.2 billion investment in Australia. SYDNEY – Microsoft announced a $5 billion (US$3.2 billion) investment in Australia on Tuesday, focusing on cloud computing and artificial intelligence, with the goal of boosting the country’s economy and cyber defences.
Microsoft has announced a $3.2 billion investment in Australia
Details of the agreement were revealed by executives at the US computer giant and Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who is on a four-day official visit to the US. Microsoft claimed in a statement that it is the company’s greatest investment in Australia in its 40-year history.
Microsoft plans to expand its “hyperscale” cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure in Australia over the next two years, adding nine data centres to the 20 already in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne.
The tech titan also stated that it would collaborate with Australia’s cyber spy agency, the Australian Signals Directorate, to develop a “cyber shield” to protect the country from cyber threats. During a news conference at the Australian embassy in Washington, Albanese praised the investment.
According to him, Microsoft’s collaboration with the Signals Directorate will strengthen Australia’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.
“We know that this is having an effect on all businesses.” “We also know that this is about individuals and protecting who they are,” the prime minister told reporters.
“We need to get this right.”
Last year, 76,000 cybercrimes were reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, but experts fear that many more go undetected.
More than nine million people had their personal information taken late last year during a cyber attack on phone provider Optus, and up to 9.7 million had their information spilt onto the dark web after health insurance Medibank was targeted.
