The NSW Department of Finance, Services, and Innovation (DFSI) has secured an exclusive partnership deal with Microsoft, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the tech giant that promises to boost the state’s already enviable digital capability.
 

The agreement, which coincides with the opening on Tuesday of the multi-million dollar Microsoft Technology Centre (MTC) in Sydney, will give DFSI heads exclusive access to the Centre for training opportunities and featured solutions exhibits.

The MTC promotes itself as an interactive learning environment for enterprise leaders, with facilities including an ‘envisioning theatre’ (a showcase area for demonstrating Microsoft and partner solutions), an ‘innovation factory’, social hub, cybersecurity room, as well as workshop and boardroom areas.

Conveniently, the centre is located in close proximity to DFSI offices in the Sydney CBD.

NSW Government Chief Information and Digital Officer Greg Wells said the MTC collaboration will deliver a “significant positive impact for citizens and businesses as well as operational efficiencies for Government.”

“This Memorandum of Understanding will allow us to bring department heads to the MTC where they can see what more achieved with digital services, improved efficiencies and good value solutions.”

To cement the deal, DFSI will lead with a series of ideation sessions aimed at progressing digital transformation across NSW Government, the agency revealed in a statement.

Wells revealed that training could be offered for agency heads and potential technical staff at either the Microsoft Centre or at the government’s Digital NSW Acceleration Lab.

DFSI Secretary Martin Hoffman said the “support from Microsoft experts will greatly accelerate the Government’s digital journey.”

“This includes greater collaboration on building a data-centric approach to good government, important cyber, platform and capability development initiatives.”