Microsoft announces highest 3.2 billion dollar investment in Australia

Tech giant Microsoft is investing a whooping Aus$5 billion (US$3.2 billion) in Australia, as per the company’s announcement on Tuesday. This investment will focus on cloud computing and artificial intelligence and will boost cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

The high authorities of the US-based tech giant and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, outlined the details of the deal. Albanese is currently on a four-day official visit to the United States.

Microsoft in Australia

This investment is considered Microsoft’s largest investment in Australia in its 40-year history in the country, the company said in a statement.

This investment includes the expansion of the tech giant’s "hyperscale" cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Australia over the next two years. It will also add nine data centres to the 20 already in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, Microsoft said.

The tech giant also said that it would collaborate with the cyber spy agency of Australia, the Australian Signals Directorate, on a "cyber shield" to protect the country from threats.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese

He welcomed this investment at the Australian embassy in Washington, during a news conference. While talking to the reporters he said that this collaboration will help Australia’s capacity to identify, prevent and respond to cyber threats.

Today Microsoft are announcing an additional $5 billion to build more data centres across the country, and partner to train Australians for the jobs of the future.

This partnership will ensure Australia’s place as a world-leading digital economy. pic.twitter.com/HRyQDMEpSU

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) October 23, 2023

"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 reporters.

"We need to get this right."

With the technological advances in recent times, there is also a rise in cyber crimes. Last year 76,000 cybercrimes were reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, however, many more are considered to go unreported.