- Microsoft is expanding its data centre footprint to Perth, Western Australia, with an Azure Extended Zone launching by mid-2025, reducing latency and enhancing cloud service delivery.
- Key beneficiaries include the WA Government, Roy Hill, and Northern Star Resources, leveraging the infrastructure to drive innovation, improve operations, and enhance cybersecurity.
What happened: Azure extends zone to launch in Perth by 2025
Microsoft has announced plans to expand its global data centre footprint to Perth, Western Australia, with an Azure Extended Zone set to launch by mid-2025. This new infrastructure aims to meet the increasing demand for cloud and AI services in the state while reducing latency and enhancing service delivery for public and private sector organisations.
The initiative aligns with Western Australia’s Digital Industries Acceleration Strategy and supports economic growth by empowering businesses to innovate and transform. The WA Government will be among the first to leverage the infrastructure, alongside major resource companies like Roy Hill and Northern Star Resources. Roy Hill plans to optimize productivity and operations, while Northern Star Resources will host critical workloads locally to boost agility and cybersecurity. Other organizations, including The University of Western Australia and Woodside Energy, have already adopted Microsoft’s cloud services, underscoring the impact of this expansion on fostering innovation across industries in WA.
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Why it is important
Microsoft’s Azure Extended Zone in Perth, set to launch by mid-2025, is a critical development for Western Australia’s digital and economic growth. By reducing latency and improving service delivery, the new infrastructure enables businesses and public sector organisations to access faster and more reliable cloud services. This expansion aligns with the WA Government’s Digital Industries Acceleration Strategy, supporting its goal of driving innovation and attracting further cloud investments. Major beneficiaries include Roy Hill, which will optimise productivity and operations, and Northern Star Resources, which will enhance cybersecurity and agility by hosting critical workloads locally.
The Azure Zone also strengthens partnerships with organisations like The University of Western Australia and Woodside Energy, which are already leveraging Microsoft’s cloud to innovate and transform operations. Overall, this development positions Perth as a key player in Australia’s cloud infrastructure landscape, driving innovation and growth across multiple industries.
