SYDNEY: Microsoft announced on Tuesday a substantial investment of Aus$5 billion (US$3.2 billion) in Australia focused on cloud computing and artificial intelligence, saying it would bolster the country’s economy and cyber defences.
Details of the deal were highlighted by bosses at the US tech giant and by Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who is on a four-day official visit to the United States.
It represents Microsoft’s largest investment in Australia in its four-decade history in the country, the company said in a statement.
Microsoft will spread 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, it further said.
The tech giant said it would also work with Australia’s cyber spy agency, the Australian Signals Directorate, on a “cyber shield” aimed at protecting the country from cyber threats.
Albanese welcomed the investment during a press conference at the embassy of Australia in Washington.
“We know that this is having an impact on all companies. We know as well, that this is about individuals and the protection of who they are,” the Prime Minister told the reporters.
“We need to get this right.”
There were 76,000 cybercrimes reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre last year, although experts warn many cyber incidents likely go unreported.
Late last year, more than nine million people had personal data stolen during a cyber attack on phone company Optus and up to 9.7 million individuals had their details leaked on the dark web after health insurer Medibank was targeted.
