IBM has signed $740 million deal with Australian government to use blockchain and other new technologies to improve data security. Announcement was made by the Michael Keenan MP, minister for human services and minister assisting the Prime Minister for digital transformation.
As per the agreement, it is a cross-brand solutions partnership involving IBM hardware, software and cloud-based solutions, and includes joint innovation programs in quantum, cybersecurity, and research aimed at furthering the government’s digital transformation agenda.
IBM’s R&D teams in Australia will work with Melbourne-based research team to accelerate the application of blockchain, AI and quantum computing in government agencies like Department of Human Services (DHS), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and the Department of Defence (DOD).
David La Rose, managing director IBM Australia & New Zealand, said that
“The Whole of Government agreement reflects the growing importance of technology to the government’s transformation agenda. For agencies it will be more simple and cost efficient to engage with IBM, while our technologies make it possible for government to deliver smarter, integrated, always-on digital services for citizens”
The separate units of expert computer engineers and developers will also work on world-leading cyber security solutions for data protection and the application of supercomputing for government services. Under this five year agreement, all government agencies will be able to access the financial benefits and technologies. The agreement, led by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), is the highest value contract negotiated by the Australian Government.
David further said that
“This agreement is a testament to our forty-year partnership with the Australian Government. It shows trust and belief in our ability to transform and provide world-leading capabilities, leveraging our investments locally in AI, blockchain, quantum and cloud. We look forward to helping the Australian Government to re-define the digital experience for the benefit of all Australians.”