Macquarie Government launches new Azure practice for state and federal govt agencies

It will bring its public cloud services to government for the first time.

Macquarie Government, a part of Macquarie Technology Group, has launched its new Azure practice for Australian state and federal government agencies.

The Microsoft Azure practice will focus on cloud, security and AI services.

This is the first time the company will be bringing its public cloud services to government.

The Government practice using Azure has been adapted to meet government security classifications, including Protected-level requirements.

It extends Macquarie Government's cybersecurity capability servicing 42 percent of Federal Government agencies, including Tier 1 agencies, into modern public cloud and AI services for the public sector.

The new practice will mean federal and state agencies can access a suite of Azure-native services, including Managed Azure, Microsoft XDR for managed security, Microsoft Sentinel, Azure Virtual Desktop, Azure Local and Managed Fabric.

Naran McClung, executive head of Azure, Macquarie Cloud Services told CRN Australia that launching this practice, he sees it as “perfect storm” of the pressure government agencies are under and what they’re looking to achieve.

"We’re seeing that need to modernise and develop new services including AI while also controlling costs and meeting increasing security expectations,” he said.

“Our Azure business is already helping enterprises on average save up to 26 percent on cost and reduce risk from day one, and we’ve got an incredibly strong Government presence – an entire business unit dedicated to it – already. It’s a perfect match at the right time.”

While McClung can’t reveal too many federal and state agencies due to confidentiality. They do work with a wide range of federal and state-based agencies.

“One example is the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW), for which we provide cybersecurity, cloud, and SOC services,” he explained.

“We’re seeing increased appetite in public cloud and particularly Azure as the preferred platform for government and we know we can be the kind of partner they need in that journey.”

For the first year, McClung said their focus is on expanding the business alongside their wider practice and working closely with our existing and new government customers to build the highest quality and most secure Azure environments.

“In doing so, continue to enhance our long-standing role as one of Microsoft’s top partners in the Asia Pacific region as Microsoft increases its own investment in Australia,” he added.

Macquarie Government already serves as a trusted cybersecurity partner to 42 percent of federal government agencies.

Macquarie Government has recently appointed former Defence advisor Dr Chris Peiris as Microsoft Security and Azure Lead, based in Canberra.