Author: David Leane

Quick Review

• The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has formalized a $70 million agreement with AWS.
• This arrangement is part of a broader $364 million government-wide contract with AWS.
• AWS is set to create a Top Secret Cloud for national security purposes.
• The project is anticipated to improve Australia’s cyber defence over the upcoming decade with an estimated $2 billion expenditure.
• Federal agencies have already secured $364 million in contracts with AWS since April 2025.

ASD Finalizes Historic $70 Million Agreement with AWS

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has entered into a significant $70 million contract with Amazon Web Services (AWS), marking a notable achievement in Australia’s cloud service arena. This agreement is part of a larger, renegotiated government-wide deal with AWS, now worth approximately $364 million.

Cloud Solutions for Enhanced National Security

This new deal significantly surpasses the $6.3 million total value of ASD’s previous 13 contracts with AWS, reaching back to 2017. AWS is entrusted with the creation of a Top Secret (TS) Cloud, specifically tailored for ASD’s applications in national security. The initiative is projected to incur a minimum cost of $2 billion over the next decade, with the goal of substantially enhancing Australia’s cyber defence capabilities.

Transforming Cloud Services Across Government

The three-year agreement was facilitated via the Digital Transformation Agency’s renewed whole-of-government contract with AWS for public cloud services, which was originally established in 2019. The initial contract valued at $39 million, grew to $390.8 million over three years. The government renewed this contract in 2022 for an additional three years at $174.1 million, reflecting the increasing dependence on AWS’s cloud infrastructure.

Cloud Investments by Federal Agencies

An examination of contracts released on AusTender shows that since the latest renewal became effective on April 1, 2025, federal agencies have entered into agreements totaling $364 million in just over two months. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) leads with a $147 million contract, followed by the Digital Transformation Agency at $64.7 million, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission at $23 million, the Australian Bureau of Statistics at $19.2 million, and the Department of Home Affairs at $14 million. Furthermore, the Department of Health and Aged Care allotted AWS a $22.9 million contract under a separate agreement.

Recap

The ASD’s $70 million contract with AWS signifies a crucial turning point in Australia’s digital overhaul and cyber defence strategy. As AWS continues to grow its data centre operations in Sydney and Melbourne, the collaboration is set to strengthen the country’s security framework through innovative cloud solutions. The significant investments from various federal bodies further highlight the government’s dedication to integrating cloud technology for enhanced operational effectiveness and security.

Q&A: Clarifying the AWS-ASD Cloud Agreement

Q: What is the financial value of the agreement between ASD and AWS?

A: The agreement is valued at $70 million.

Q: What is the function of the Top Secret Cloud?

A: The Top Secret Cloud is designed to improve national security applications and enhance Australia’s cyber defence capabilities.

Q: How has the government-wide AWS agreement changed over the years?

A: The original $39 million contract from 2019 has expanded to $390.8 million over three years and $364 million in federal agency contracts since April 2025.

Q: Which federal agency holds the largest contract with AWS?

A: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) possesses the largest contract, amounting to $147 million.

Q: What are AWS’s future plans for its data centres in Australia?

A: AWS plans to extend its data centres in Sydney and Melbourne.

Quick Overview

• Webjet Group has appointed Oonagh Flanagan as its inaugural Chief Marketing Officer.
• The organization aims for brand expansion and digital advancement.
• Flanagan will lead marketing initiatives throughout Australasia.
• Utilization of artificial intelligence will enhance marketing operations.
• Flanagan comes with experience from Funlab, boosting her role at Webjet.

New Appointment Promotes Innovation

Oonagh Flanagan.

Webjet Group has proclaimed the appointment of Oonagh Flanagan as its first-ever Chief Marketing Officer in Australia. This action represents a crucial development in the company’s plan to enhance brand expansion and innovation in the digital arena.

Strategic Development in Australasia

Per CEO and Managing Director Katrina Barry, this appointment is a key component of Webjet’s independent path as an ASX-listed travel entity. Flanagan will oversee the marketing strategy for Webjet OTA in Australia and New Zealand while furthering loyalty programs throughout the Webjet Group.

“We are embarking on a new chapter of brand expansion and digital advancement, and this position is vital for accelerating our FY30 strategy across Australasia,” Barry expressed.

Leveraging Technological Capabilities

The position is designed to harness the complete capability of Webjet’s marketing technology framework. Data-derived insights will be employed to boost customer interaction and fortify the brand throughout Australasia. The introduction of artificial intelligence is also planned to enhance marketing effectiveness, personalization, and productivity.

Flanagan’s Impressive Background

Flanagan is transitioning to Webjet from Funlab, which manages entertainment venues such as Strike and Holey Moley. Her accomplishments in promoting brand expansion through Martech and data at Funlab render her an excellent choice for this new position at Webjet.

“Her successful history at Funlab, where she achieved notable brand growth through martech and data, positioned her as a leading candidate,” Barry commented.

Recap

The appointment of Oonagh Flanagan as Chief Marketing Officer by Webjet Group signifies a strategic move towards digital advancement and brand expansion. With a robust foundation in Martech and data-centric marketing, Flanagan is poised to enhance Webjet’s marketing strategies and investigate AI-driven efficiencies.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Oonagh Flanagan’s primary responsibility at Webjet Group?

A: As the Chief Marketing Officer, Flanagan will direct marketing strategies in Australia and New Zealand, concentrating on brand expansion and loyalty initiatives.

Q: What makes this appointment important for Webjet Group?

A: It signifies a new phase of brand expansion and digital advancement for Webjet as a separate ASX-listed travel entity.

Q: In what ways will technology be incorporated into Flanagan’s new role?

A: The role entails utilizing data-driven insights and AI to improve marketing effectiveness, personalization, and productivity.

Q: What kind of experience does Flanagan bring to Webjet?

A: She has comprehensive experience from Funlab, where she successfully propelled brand growth using martech and data.

Q: What are Webjet Group’s aspirations for the future?

A: The organization intends to fast-track growth and drive innovation throughout marketing, loyalty, digital platforms, and ecommerce, consistent with its FY30 strategy.

Quick Overview

• Lion has launched an AI-powered app named ‘Lion Pub Crawl’ designed to identify its beers available on tap in bars.
• This app was developed leveraging SAP’s Business Technology Platform and AWS Rekognition.
• It improves data collection efficiency for Lion’s sales team and aids in finding preferred venues for corporate gatherings.
• The app boosts consumer engagement by showcasing locations that offer their favourite Lion beers.
• This initiative illustrates successful multi-technology integration, earning several innovation accolades.

Transforming Beer Recognition in Bars

Lion has introduced an advanced computer vision solution called ‘Lion Pub Crawl’ to improve the productivity and precision of its sales processes in bars. The application, created using SAP’s low-code/no-code Business Technology Platform (BTP) and AWS Rekognition, automates the tracking of the number of taps serving Lion’s beers at different locations, ensuring adherence to contract specifications.

Optimizing Sales and Operations

The app tackles the issue faced by Lion’s sales team, who used to manually track and log beer tap information, a task that was subject to mistakes and inefficiencies. By automating this process, the app not only accelerates data capture but also lowers the chances of inaccuracies, thus improving operational precision.

Improving Venue Discovery for Corporate Events

Furthermore, the Lion Pub Crawl app aids in identifying “favourite venues” for hosting company events. This feature supports internal operations by ensuring that Lion staff can easily find and secure venues that match company preferences, streamlining logistical aspects.

Technological Integration and Innovation Awards

The creation of this app showcases the potential of integrating various technologies to produce innovative outcomes. The initiative began during an SAP BTP hackathon and received a Kirin global innovation award. The partnership between SAP’s ecosystem and AWS Rekognition greatly expedited the development timeline.

Consumer Interaction and Brand Visibility

Lion’s aspirations extend beyond internal efficiencies; the app is set to elevate consumer interaction by guiding patrons to venues that feature their preferred Lion beers. This approach is anticipated to increase foot traffic and encourage consumers to discover a wider variety of Lion’s beer selections.

Conclusion

Lion’s latest app, ‘Lion Pub Crawl’, signifies a major leap forward in how the company oversees its pub operations and engages its clientele. By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, Lion not only refines its internal operations but also strengthens its market presence and customer relations.

Q&A

Q: What technology powers the Lion Pub Crawl app?

A: The app is developed utilizing SAP’s Business Technology Platform and AWS Rekognition.

Q: What advantages does the app provide to Lion’s sales team?

A: It automates the documentation of beer taps in bars, minimizing manual entry mistakes and enhancing efficiency.

Q: Is the app useful for consumers?

A: Yes, it assists consumers in finding venues that serve their preferred Lion beers, increasing brand connection and encouraging beer variety exploration.

Q: How long was the development period for the app?

A: The app was created in just 10 days, demonstrating the effectiveness of employing multiple technologies.

Q: What accolades has the app received?

A: It earned a Kirin global innovation award and was acknowledged at an SAP BTP hackathon.

Q: Is the app exclusively for internal use?

A: While it was initially aimed at internal functions, it also possesses consumer applications to improve brand engagement.

Quick Insights

• Azure Landing Zones are crucial for organized and scalable cloud operations.
• They guarantee uniform governance and adherence across cloud settings.
• Implementing Landing Zones diminishes technical liabilities and operating expenses.
• Businesses can sync their cloud approaches with their objectives using these frameworks.
• Landing Zones facilitate future growth and rapid deployment of cloud assets.

Comprehending Azure Landing Zones

Azure Landing Zones act as the organized base for cloud ecosystems, similar to the vital infrastructure of a newly constructed house. They guarantee that fundamental components like standards and compliance are uniformly upheld, enabling teams to customize as necessary while ensuring operational effectiveness.

Why IT Executives Should Pay Attention

Early cloud adoption often emphasizes rapidity, but without adequate governance, it can result in elevated risks and operational inefficiencies. Azure Landing Zones tackle these issues by providing a reliable platform model that aligns with business goals.

The Strategic Importance of Azure Landing Zones

By adopting a structured Landing Zone strategy, organizations can realize a quicker market entry, improved cost management, and heightened security posture. These zones also enable scalability and adaptability, permitting businesses to broaden their cloud capabilities without starting anew.

Committing to a Sustainable Cloud Model

The total cost of a poorly structured cloud environment can be substantial. Azure Landing Zones offer the framework for scalable and sustainable cloud operations, minimizing friction and allowing teams to prioritize innovation.

Creating and Implementing Landing Zones

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for developing Landing Zones, the process generally includes initial planning, employing reference architectures, deploying infrastructure as code, and aligning operations. Organizations can either build in-house or utilize pre-designed solutions and expert collaborations.

Conclusion

Azure Landing Zones are vital for attaining cloud success by ensuring uniform governance, security, and scalability. They allow organizations to align their cloud strategies with broader business objectives, simplifying complexity and supporting sustainable growth.

Q: What are Azure Landing Zones?

A: Azure Landing Zones are pre-configured cloud settings that provide a structured framework for governance, compliance, and scalability.

Q: Why are Landing Zones essential for cloud operations?

A: They ensure consistent governance and mitigate operational risks, facilitating scalable and efficient cloud operations aligned with business goals.

Q: In what way do Landing Zones facilitate scalability?

A: Defined as code, they can be easily duplicated and modified, enabling organizations to extend their cloud capabilities without beginning from scratch.

Q: Can Landing Zones help in reducing operational costs?

A: Indeed, by offering a reusable framework, they minimize the requirement for rework and manual processes, thereby decreasing operational costs and technical liabilities.

Q: What role do Landing Zones play in security and compliance?

A: They enforce security and compliance from the outset, ensuring that access, encryption, monitoring, and alerting are uniformly implemented across the environment.

Q: Are there pre-built solutions available for implementing Landing Zones?

A: Yes, organizations can utilize pre-built accelerators or collaborate with partners specializing in platform design to implement Landing Zones effectively.