Microsoft and Suncorp Group have announced a three-year partnership to further the financial services company’s growth and expand its Azure cloud footprint while deploying more than 13,600 Surface devices throughout Australia and New Zealand.
With the new agreement, Suncorp will reduce its on-premise data centers while expanding its cloud footprint in Microsoft Azure. By the end of 2023, Suncorp hopes to have 90% of workloads moved to the cloud as part of its multi-cloud strategy.
The remaining applications will be transferred to brand-new Sydney colocation facilities, prepared to leave their data centers by January 2024. Additionally, it will make it possible for Suncorp to streamline its technological infrastructure, lower expenses, improve security and risk management capabilities, and expand its ability to quickly create and implement digital solutions.
According to Charles Pizzato, Executive General Manager of IT Infrastructure at Suncorp Group, Suncorp is a purpose-driven company that has upgraded its technological platforms and embraced cloud computing to lead the insurance industry in providing cutting-edge consumer experiences at reduced costs and lower risk to the business.
As of now, 65% of Suncorp’s applications are in the cloud, having begun their cloud journey in 2013. They have decided to work in partnership with Microsoft to help them realize their agenda for innovation and strategic transformation.
“We are always looking for opportunities to leverage cloud infrastructure to be more agile and responsive to market needs. The Microsoft Azure platform gives us that flexibility and scalability, along with the underlying security posture we need as a financial services organization. Once we’ve migrated our workloads to the cloud, we’ll be able to build and deploy digital solutions for our customers at game-changing speed.” said Pizzato.
In order to hasten its move to Azure, Suncorp is collaborating with a number of companies, including Avanade. The new agreement supports Suncorp’s agenda for the workplace of the future and provides its more than 13,000 workers with a cutting-edge, hybrid work environment that allows for flexible, secure, and inclusive collaboration.
In Australia and New Zealand, the company has distributed 10,000 Microsoft Surface Laptops to staff members, and it has plans to distribute 3,600 more over the following 12 months
Additionally, Suncorp has installed 150 Surface Hubs at its new Brisbane headquarters and locations in Australia and New Zealand. These tools will make it easier to design hybrid collaborative meeting spaces that encourage inclusiveness and ideation.
“Our purpose is to build futures and protect what matters, and our people are core to this purpose. It’s crucial that we equip our team with the technology they need to work effectively wherever they are – in the office, at home or out in the community – so they can quickly adapt as operating conditions change and continue to deliver a fantastic experience for our customers.” said Pizzato.
For Duncan Taylor, General Manager Financial Services Industry at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, they’re excited to play an even greater role in Suncorp’s cloud strategy and workplace evolution as the next step in their long standing partnership.
“Together, we will empower its people to connect, collaborate and innovate in new ways that deliver better customer outcomes,” said Taylor.
