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Microsoft launching its first New Zealand datacentre – what’s to come.
Microsoft is launching its first datacentre in New Zealand as part of a wider push to boost employment and sustainability.
Microsoft Corp. today announced its plans to establish its first datacentre in New Zealand, which will equip the country with enterprise-grade cloud services – and build towards its vision of a sustainable future.
The New Zealand datacentre is the latest addition to Microsoft’s global data footprint, as cloud provider with the widest expansive reach across more than 60 regions.
With Microsoft Azure’s reach in over 140 countries across the word, the development of the new datacentre will enable Microsoft to accelerate digital transformation opportunities within New Zealand, as well as amplify wider growth.
Microsoft will also continue its investments in new solutions in support of mutual sustainability goals with New Zealand. This alongside future support for educational upskilling is intended to increase the future employability and livelihood opportunities available.
Vanessa Sorenson, Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand, comments “This significant investment in New Zealand’s digital infrastructure is a testament to the remarkable spirit of New Zealand’s innovation and reflects how we’re pushing the boundaries of what is possible as a nation.
“The Fletcher School’s Digital Evolution Index characterises New Zealand as a ‘standout nation’ demonstrating to the world what the future might look like. I’m confident this investment will help accelerate our digital evolution,” she adds.
How will the new datacentre accelerate digital transformation in New Zealand? The software leader’s statement details its mission of creating scalable, highly available and resilient public cloud services, alongside data residency, security and compliance assurances. Some of its mechanisms for developing region, public – and private-sector entities, large enterprises, and small and medium-size businesses include;
- Microsoft Azure – an ever-expanding range of cloud services, including computing, networking, databases, AI, analytics and Internet of Things (IoT).
- Microsoft 365 – the global productivity cloud that features the highest calibre of productivity apps within an open platform, including email, collaboration, conferencing, social networking and business intelligence processes.
- Dynamics 365 and Power Platform – Intelligent business applications engineering, allowing businesses to develop and transform in response to the needs of customers and to capture new opportunities.
- Built-in trust and security – industry-leading portfolio of government and industry certifications and world-class security, underpinned by Microsoft’s commitment to store customer data at rest within New Zealand.
New Zealand customers and partners of New Zealand are already benefiting from Microsoft’s world scale cloud services, and a number have given feedback on what it means for their business:
Fonterra, New Zealand’s dairy co-operative that exports to over 140 countries
Piers Shore, CIO, Fonterra, said the new datacentre will “bring even more cutting-edge technology to our co-operative and the New Zealand technology ecosystem. This in turn will help us leverage technology to create value for our farmer owners and unit holders, and Fonterra customers around the world.”
Spark NZ, Microsoft’s cloud customer, leader in digital services
Jolie Hodson, chief executive, Spark, said “Spark, New Zealand’s largest telecommunications and technology solutions provider, is delighted to partner with Microsoft to empower innovation — two organisations focused on building cloud and digital capability to help New Zealand businesses succeed.”
Computer Concepts Limited (CCL), provider of customer-focused solutions designed to meet a range of specialised business computing needs
Andrew Allan, CEO of CCL, said “CCL is proud to be supporting Microsoft in this venture. It’s a game changer, unlocking the potential of Kiwi businesses to go global, at scale and securely. This is an opportunity to fundamentally change the way we consume technology and level the playing field for disruptive Kiwi innovators like never before.”
The datacentres reinforce and amplify Microsoft continued commitment to sustainability within New Zealand. In line with its commitment to become carbon negative by 2030 and remove its historical company carbon emissions, Microsoft’s AI for Good initiative ecnompasses several New Zealand organisations already leveraging Microsoft’s cloud capabilities to address global issues, including:
NIWA, who in collaboration with Microsoft on the “The Week it Snowed Everywhere” project pioneered the use of AI to scan weather conditions and understand how our data is changing over time.
Award-winning NGO and Microsoft AI for Earth grant recipient Sustainable Coastlines, with their Litter Database, enabling New Zealanders to become citizen scientists by arming them with data to keep beaches clean. Sustainable Coastlines is also working alongside the Ministry for the Environment, Department of Conservation and Statistics NZ to create another first-of-its-kind resource, Litter Intelligence. This effort aligns with the United Nations Environment Programme methodology, toward building scale globally and benefiting other countries’ sustainability agendas.
Microsoft has also detailed how they will work to bridge the skills gap amongst the IT community for wider employability, as well as build technical know-how with cloud services. Microsoft has worked alongside Massey University and The Collaborative Studio in the launch of i4 Accelerator – a public-private education programme addressing skills shortages in the primary industries such as technology and manufacturing. It supports various digital up-skilling efforts with targeted skills and leadership training with the coordination and collaboration that comes with digital technologies.
The datacentre will be located somewhere in the North Island, with an exact location and timeline yet to be announced.
As previously published on Microsoft NZ News Centre
Image Credit: Pixabay.
Discover more:
Why Microsoft’s data centre will mean big things for New Zealand’s future in the cloud.
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