Amazon Web Services intends to invest $7.5 billion in the construction of cloud computing data centers in New Zealand over the next 15 years.
The investment will establish a local AWS Region, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2024. The same actions that AWS customers can perform abroad can be performed by customers that need to store data locally.
According to Tiffany Bloomquist, AWS New Zealand country manager for the commercial sector, the substantial investment in IT infrastructure will boost local GDP by $10.8 billion and generate 1000 jobs over that period.
There are currently 81 availability zones in the 25 AWS regions the company runs globally, including one in New Zealand.
An AWS region, according to Bloomquist, is a geographic location where they cluster several data centers together. Each of these groups of data centers is known as an availability zone, and there are at least three distinct availability zones in each region. They will be positioned all across Auckland.
Moreover, there is separate, independent power and cooling for each availability zone. A redundant, ultra-low latency network links the zones. Latency is the amount of time it takes for data to move from one point to another and back. There are the highest standards for data protection, compliance, and physical security.
AWS Four Considerations in Designing Availability Zones
- Environment. The company claims to take great care to make investments in sustainable locations. According to Bloomquist, this entails considering environmental dangers like floods, severe weather, and, in the case of New Zealand, earthquakes. Additionally, the way the data centers are powered is another aspect. AWS wants to use only renewable energy at its data center in Auckland. According to Bloomquist, New Zealand has made major investments in that area, making it a prime site for them.
- Physical security. Depending on the site, it may entail ensuring that there are the proper number of security guards, as well as the proper kinds of fences, cameras, and intruder detection. Because it is entirely their duty and something they take very seriously, physical security is a concern for them.
- Actual physical infrastructure. The structure, the inside technology, and the supporting technology. This includes fire protection measures and cooling, as data centers can produce a lot of heat.
- Around the data. AWS must share responsibility for such with its clients. By limiting access, upholding distinct boundaries, and utilizing threat detection and security capabilities, it can uphold its end of the bargain.
AWS’s New Zealand Customers Demands
- Demand for lower latency. Lower latency is a top requirement for AWS’s New Zealand customers, who are mostly situated in Auckland. While low latency isn’t necessary for every application, there are some tasks where it is. By keeping everything in Auckland, latency is kept to a minimum.
- Demand for data sovereignty. Data sovereignty is yet another requirement from New Zealand customers, which is essential when laws or regulations call for the preservation of data locally.
Programs from AWS New Zealand
- Hāpori Wāhine programme. A four-week, community-based program for New Zealand women seeking the kinds of in-demand cloud skills professions. A network of professionals is included in the program to assist participants in launching their careers in technology. Hāpori Wāhine specifically strives to connect with women who might not have previously thought about a career in technology.
- Cyber Skills Aotearoa. Seeks to provide middle school and high school students with the knowledge and abilities necessary to stay secure online, as well as, in some circumstances, to encourage students to think about jobs in cyber security.
- AWS re/Start program. Intends to train underemployed or jobless individuals for professions in cloud computing. After completing the 12-week full-time course, students will be introduced to potential employers.
According to Bloomquist, the Covid pandemic sped up firms’ consideration of how to expand operations and control expenses. They struggle with increased inflation, a lack of available talent, or both. The sum of all these demands drives businesses to increase their use of cloud computing.
