The transformation involves modernising the Australian electricity distributor’s application landscape and optimising the IT infrastructure

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The partnership is aimed at establishing Ausgrid as a digital utility. (Credit: Wynn Pointaux/Pixabay)

Indian IT company Infosys and Microsoft have entered into a multi-year partnership with Ausgrid to enable the Australian utility to speed up its cloud transformation.

The partnership is aimed at establishing Ausgrid, a distributor of electricity on Australia’s east coast, as a digital utility.

In addition, the cloud transformation programme is expected to enable the utility to connect communities with a focus on affordability, reliability and sustainability.

As part of the partnership, Infosys and Microsoft will help the company address people, change management and business processes to optimise efficiency.

The two technology companies will modernise Ausgrid’s application landscape and optimise the IT infrastructure.

Ausgrid CIO Nick Crowe said: “With over 4 million Australians relying on our services every day, it is essential we are maintaining our high standard of reliability and connectivity, as well as delivering on the expectations of Australian communities.

“Accelerating our cloud transformation journey in partnership with Infosys and Microsoft allows us to improve the reliability of the network, keep downward pressure on electricity prices and bring new services to market at speed and in a cost-effective manner.”

Launched in mid-2020, the cloud-driven transformation programme for the Australian company is being delivered through a phased approach.

It leverages a cloud management platform combined with managed services.

Apart from reducing Ausgrid’s cost of ownership, the programme is anticipated to enhance the performance of its IT systems and applications.

The utility currently delivers power to 1.8 million customers.

Covering 22,275km² throughout Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley, Ausgrid’s network consisting of substations, powerlines, underground cables and power poles.

Infosys communications, media and technology executive vice president and global industry leader Anand Swaminathan said: “Our engagement with Ausgrid has expanded to include this strategic cloud transformation initiative, leveraging Infosys’ Cobalt ecosystem of platforms, solutions and services as well as our deep expertise in the utility industry.

“This engagement further strengthens our global collaboration with Microsoft and our joint value to the industry.”

In April this year, Infosys partnered with global energy company BP to develop an integrated energy as-a-service (EaaS) offering to reduce emissions at campuses and cities.