Vanessa May

Qantas Struck by Significant Data Violation After Cyber Assault

Vanessa May on July 2, 2025

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Qantas Encounters Data Breach Following Cyber Attack

Brief Overview

Qantas suffers a major data breach affecting 6 million customer records.
Compromised data includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer IDs.
No financial data or passwords were compromised.
Incident reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre and Australian Federal Police.
Qantas provides assistance through a specialized hotline and website.

Grasping the Qantas Data Breach

Recently, Qantas, the national airline of Australia, faced a cyber attack that led to a significant data breach. This event has endangered the personal details of millions of customers, raising alarms about data safety and privacy.

Overview of the Breach

The breach was linked to a call center located in Manila, Philippines, where a cybercriminal achieved access to a “third-party servicing platform.” This platform contained around 6 million customer service records, which were infiltrated by the attacker.

Qantas faces data theft after cyber attack

Which Data Was Compromised?

The compromised data encompasses customer names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and frequent flyer IDs. Thankfully, Qantas has confirmed that credit card information, personal financial data, and passport information were not saved in the compromised system and, therefore, remain unaffected.

Actions and Precautions Taken

In response to the breach, Qantas has swiftly implemented measures to control the situation and lessen its effects. The airline has reported the incident to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, and the Australian Federal Police. Additionally, Qantas has established a dedicated customer support hotline and webpage to help impacted customers.

“We sincerely apologise to our customers, and we acknowledge the anxiety this will create. Our customers trust us with their personal information, and we treat that duty with utmost seriousness,” commented Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson.

Cooperation with Cyber Security Agencies

Qantas is collaborating closely with the national government’s National Cyber Security Coordinator, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, and independent specialized cyber security professionals to manage the breach and strengthen its security protocols.

Conclusion

The Qantas data breach emphasizes the increasing risk of cyber attacks on large corporations, underscoring the necessity for strong security measures. While Qantas seeks to address the issue, customers are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior concerning their accounts.

Q: What actions should customers take if they think their data may have been compromised?

A: Customers should vigilantly monitor their accounts for unusual activities and notify Qantas via the specific support hotline or webpage.

Q: Was any financial data compromised during the breach?

A: No, Qantas has confirmed that credit card information and personal financial data were not affected.

Q: How is Qantas responding to the breach?

A: Qantas is collaborating with national and independent cyber security specialists to tackle the breach and enhance its security practices.

Q: How can customers reach out to Qantas for further information?

A: Customers can contact Qantas via the support hotline at 1800 971 541 or +61 2 8028 0534 or visit the dedicated webpage for updates.

Exetel Streamlines Services with New A$80pm 500/50Mbps Package

Vanessa May on July 2, 2025

Exetel Transforms Australian Internet Offerings with Streamlined Plan

Quick Overview

Exetel launches a straightforward NBN plan priced at A$80 monthly.
Provides 500Mbps download alongside 40Mbps upload speeds.
Optional upgrade to 1Gbps speed for an additional A$1 per day.
Refer-a-friend program grants a A$1 monthly discount for both users.
Internet hibernation feature available for those traveling.

A Single Plan to Clear Up Confusion

In a significant step towards simplifying the Australian telecommunications market, Exetel has eliminated its numerous NBN offerings in favor of one clear choice. Dubbed the ‘One Plan’, this strategy is designed to alleviate the stress and confusion that many Australians encounter when selecting an internet package. The plan, offered at a consistent A$80 per month, delivers a solid 500Mbps download speed and 40Mbps upload speed, specifically designed for FTTP and HFC connections.

Lightning-fast Speeds and Clear Pricing

This new offer from Exetel is set to disrupt the NBN industry. By providing a competitive 500Mbps download speed at a steady price point, Exetel positions itself as a frontrunner in delivering high-speed internet without the standard industry tactics. This model eliminates transient promotional pricing that frequently frustrates customers due to sudden price hikes.

Optional Features for Greater Adaptability

Incredible Speed

For those in need of temporary speed enhancements, Exetel provides a 1Gbps speed option for an extra A$1 per day. This feature is excellent for users who require faster speeds for large downloads or gaming activities.

Refer a Friend Program

Exetel’s refer-a-friend initiative allows customers to enjoy a A$1 reduction on their monthly bill for both the referrer and the referred, as long as both continue their service. This program encourages community expansion and rewards customer loyalty.

Put Your Internet on Hold

For those who travel frequently, Exetel provides the option to ‘Hibernate’ their internet service. This capability allows users to temporarily stop their service, ensuring they are not charged for periods of inactivity, thus offering financial flexibility.

Superloop’s Disruptive Perspective

Superloop, Exetel’s parent organization, is well-known for its innovative and disruptive strategies within the internet service arena. This new offering aligns with Superloop’s vision to revitalize the internet by challenging traditional industry norms and prioritizing customer-focused solutions.

Pricing and Access

The Exetel ‘One Plan’ is now available for A$80 monthly for customers with FTTP or HFC connections. For more insights or to access the Critical Information Summary, visit Exetel’s website.

Conclusion

Exetel’s ‘One Plan’ marks a pivotal change in the Australian telecommunications sector, delivering a clear, high-speed internet solution free from the usual complexities and hidden charges. This plan not only simplifies choices for consumers but also includes additional features for those seeking more adaptability, establishing a new benchmark for internet service providers in Australia.

Q: What download speeds does Exetel’s ‘One Plan’ provide?

A: The plan includes 500Mbps download and 40Mbps upload speeds.

Q: What additional features come with the ‘One Plan’?

A: Yes, Exetel provides a 1Gbps speed boost for A$1 per day, a refer-a-friend discount, and an internet hibernation option.

Q: Which connection types is the ‘One Plan’ applicable to?

A: This plan is available for FTTP and HFC connection types.

Q: What is the process of the refer-a-friend program?

A: The referrer and the referred friend both receive a A$1 monthly discount for as long as they stay as Exetel customers.

Q: Is it possible to pause my internet service with Exetel?

A: Yes, Exetel provides an internet hibernation feature that permits you to pause your service while you’re away.

Q: Where can I find more details about the ‘One Plan’?

A: Check Exetel’s website for additional information and the Critical Information Summary.

In Images: Thales Organizes Financial Services CORIE Roundtable

Vanessa May on June 27, 2025

Brief Overview

Thales organized a roundtable discussion for financial services centered on the CORIE framework.
The gathering addressed the CORIE framework established by the Australian Council of Financial Regulators.
Attendees examined the application of threat intelligence to replicate real-world cyber attacks.
This framework aids financial institutions in taking proactive measures against possible cyber threats.

Insight into the CORIE Framework

The CORIE framework, developed by the Australian Council of Financial Regulators, is structured as a thorough method for financial institutions to assess their resilience to cyber threats. It stands for Cyber Operational Resilience Intelligence-led Exercises and seeks to strengthen the cybersecurity frameworks of financial organizations.

The Importance of Threat Intelligence

Within the CORIE framework, threat intelligence holds significant importance by offering practical knowledge regarding potential cyber threats. By utilizing threat intelligence, financial institutions can replicate real-world attacks, facilitating the identification of weaknesses and enhancing their defensive approaches.

Key Points from the Thales Roundtable

The executive roundtable led by Thales served as a venue for industry leaders to discuss the execution and advantages of the CORIE framework. Participants investigated how the financial sector can leverage the framework to improve their security protocols and protect against escalating cyber threats.

Proactive Management of Cyber Threats

A major insight from the roundtable was the focus on proactive management of threats. By simulating attacks, institutions can more effectively prepare for real incidents, minimizing possible damage and ensuring the continuity of their operations.

Thales Hosts Financial Services Roundtable on CORIE Framework

Conclusion

The roundtable facilitated by Thales on the CORIE framework underscored the significance of employing threat intelligence to replicate realistic cyber threats. By embracing this framework, financial institutions can proactively manage potential hazards and enhance their overall cybersecurity defenses.

Q: What is the CORIE framework?

A: The CORIE framework refers to Cyber Operational Resilience Intelligence-led Exercises. It is intended to support financial institutions in assessing their resilience to cyber threats via simulated attacks and threat intelligence.

Q: In what way does threat intelligence aid financial institutions?

A: Threat intelligence offers practical insights into possible cyber threats, enabling financial institutions to replicate real-world attacks, discover vulnerabilities, and refine their defensive tactics.

Q: What was the main topic of the Thales roundtable event?

A: The primary focus of the Thales roundtable was to explore the implementation and benefits of the CORIE framework for financial institutions, highlighting the proactive management of cyber threats.

Q: Why is proactive threat management essential?

A: Proactive threat management equips institutions to handle actual cyber incidents, diminishing potential repercussions and ensuring operational continuity by addressing vulnerabilities beforehand.

In Images: Key Moments from the 2025 Digital Nation Awards

Vanessa May on June 27, 2025

Highlights from the 2025 Digital Nation Awards

Quick Summary

The 2025 Digital Nation Awards recognized Australia’s leading technological innovations.
Prominent categories included AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity.
Winners were celebrated for their pioneering contributions to technology.
The event showcased Australia’s role as a leader in tech developments.

Honoring Technological Excellence

Highlights from the 2025 Digital Nation Awards

The 2025 Digital Nation Awards, hosted in Sydney, displayed the finest in Australian technology innovation. This notable occasion brought attention to the country’s most innovative companies and individuals who are defining the future of technology.

AI and Machine Learning in the Spotlight

Artificial Intelligence (AI) remained a significant theme at the awards. Numerous startups were acknowledged for their innovative applications across fields such as healthcare and logistics. The application of machine learning algorithms to improve operational efficiency and customer interaction was a consistent highlight among the honorees.

Sustainability: A Forward-Looking Emphasis

With climate change being a pressing global issue, the awards highlighted efforts that encourage sustainability. Businesses that effectively employed technology to lower carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency were among those celebrated. These advancements emphasize the role of technology in fostering environmentally friendly business practices.

Innovations in Cybersecurity

As cyber threats advance, the necessity of strong cybersecurity measures is paramount. The awards showcased entities that have created sophisticated security solutions to protect sensitive information and sustain confidence in digital environments.

Conclusion

The 2025 Digital Nation Awards highlighted Australia’s dedication to advancing technology. By recognizing accomplishments in AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity, the event not only celebrated exemplary contributions but also laid the groundwork for future developments. Australia’s technology sector is set for ongoing expansion, propelled by innovation and a commitment to excellence.

Q: What are the Digital Nation Awards?

A: The Digital Nation Awards honor Australia’s foremost technological innovations and advancements across diverse sectors.

Q: What were the primary focus areas of the 2025 awards?

A: The 2025 awards emphasized AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity, acknowledging achievements in these vital areas of technology.

Q: How does the event impact the tech industry in Australia?

A: The awards highlight and promote technological innovations, fostering increased investment and growth within the industry.

Q: Why is sustainability a significant emphasis at the awards?

A: Due to rising global environmental issues, utilizing technology to advance sustainability is essential, making it a primary focus.

Q: What effect does AI have on the sectors represented at the awards?

A: AI stimulates innovation and efficiency, offering solutions that revolutionize industries like healthcare, logistics, and more.

Q: How do advancements in cybersecurity benefit businesses and consumers?

A: Enhanced cybersecurity practices safeguard sensitive information, preserving trust and security in digital transactions and communications.

Services Australia Revamps Intranet Due to Disjointed Internal Information Accessibility

Vanessa May on June 23, 2025

Brief Overview

Services Australia plans to reintroduce its M365 SharePoint-based intranet in mid-July.
The new design intends to establish the intranet as the key resource for operational data.
Key objectives of the redesign include personalisation and focused content delivery.
The intranet faces competition from other internal communication tools.
Diverse yet constructive feedback gathered from alpha testing will inform the redesign.
Microsoft Copilot could improve search functionality and data accessibility in the future.
The agency is anticipating advancements from Microsoft, such as an upgraded calendar app and dark mode.

Services Australia Set to Revise Intranet with Personalisation at its Core

Services Australia is preparing to relaunch its M365 SharePoint-based intranet in mid-July, with the goal of reinstating it as the central point for operational information within the agency. The redesign aims to tackle challenges of fragmented access to internal information and redundancy, positioning the intranet as the “principal source of truth” for staff.

Services Australia updates intranet for better information access

Image credit: Services Australia/Swoop

Tackling Internal Communication Issues

Jillian Harding, Director of executive communication and events, noted at the SharePoint Intranet Festival that internal research indicated the intranet competes with platforms like Viva Engage. The agency faces a systemic issue of information overload and redundancy, which the redesign aims to alleviate.

Emphasising Personalisation and Targeted Content

The redesign prioritises the personalisation of the intranet experience and the targeting of content to distinct user groups. Harding expressed optimism that these changes will lessen the necessity for localised information management across the agency, enabling business units to publish and target content more efficiently.

Challenges in Feedback and Customisation

Michael Papacharalambous, assistant director of the intranet project, stressed the careful and iterative process undertaken during the redesign. Feedback from alpha testing was varied yet invaluable, underscoring the importance of customisation to cater to the specific needs of the agency’s 20,000 service delivery personnel.

Looking Forward: Beta Testing and Enhancements

The beta stage is scheduled for June, involving a larger user group to trial the new functionalities. Although a mid-July launch is the target, timing may be adjusted due to the end-of-financial-year workload. Anticipated future improvements may include Microsoft Copilot integration and long-term technical advances from Microsoft, such as an enhanced calendar app and dark mode for greater accessibility.

Conclusion

The intranet overhaul by Services Australia aims to centralise operational information, minimise overload, and boost personalisation for various user groups. Through addressing feedback and implementing necessary customisations, the agency seeks to significantly enhance the user experience.

Q: What is the primary objective of the intranet redesign?

A: The primary objective is to position the intranet as the main source of truth for operational information while reducing information overload and redundancy.

Q: How does Services Australia intend to personalise the intranet?

A: The agency aims to provide targeted content delivery and enable business areas to publish and target content for specific user groups.

Q: What feedback was gathered during the alpha testing phase?

A: The feedback was diverse but pointed out the necessity for clear navigation and easy access to frequently used links, particularly for service delivery staff.

Q: What future enhancements are expected?

A: Anticipated future enhancements may involve Microsoft Copilot integration for improved search capabilities and technical advancements such as a more sophisticated calendar app and dark mode for accessibility.

Transurban Explores the Incorporation of Advanced AI into Its Chatbot

Vanessa May on June 21, 2025

Brief Overview

Transurban is improving its AI chatbot, Lex, by incorporating contextual customer data.
The chatbot, embedded within the Linkt app, is aimed at fostering proactive customer service.
Initial enhancements prioritize delivering personalized replies based on account information.
Future aspirations entail developing agentic AI abilities for proactive problem-solving.
Amazon Bedrock guarantees safety and proper interactions throughout the chatbot’s functionalities.

Advancements in Transurban’s AI Chatbot

Transurban is poised to elevate its AI customer service chatbot, Lex, which was first introduced in August of last year on the Linkt app and website. Leveraging Anthropic’s Claude large language model, this cutting-edge chatbot is built to manage customer inquiries around the clock by consulting the ‘help’ resources on the app and site.

Amazon Bedrock’s Contribution

A vital element of Lex’s functioning is Amazon Bedrock, which offers crucial guidelines that dictate when the chatbot should refer a matter to a human representative. This aspect is crucial for delicate matters such as financial struggles or domestic violence, ensuring customers obtain the necessary support.

Enhancing Customer Engagement

One of Lex’s notable advantages is its capacity to connect customers to live agents more effectively than conventional menu-driven systems. By identifying when a query necessitates human intervention, Lex minimizes the time customers spend navigating intricate menus, thereby improving the overall customer experience.

Prospective Developments for Lex

Transurban is concentrating on forthcoming versions of Lex that will integrate contextual details regarding customers. This encompasses information such as account balance, account status, and product type, facilitating more personalized interactions and recommendations.

Proactive Customer Interaction

The primary ambition is for Lex to transform into an agentic AI, proficient in proactive customer service. This would entail recognizing potential problems with a customer’s account and reaching out with solutions, like suggesting more suitable products or verifying eligibility for offers based on travel behaviors.

Obstacles in AI Engagement

Despite the substantial potential benefits, Transurban recognizes the hurdles of proactive AI engagement. Ensuring that customers feel at ease with AI-initiated communication and upholding transparency regarding the nature of these interactions are essential factors.

Conclusion

Transurban is ready to augment its AI chatbot, Lex, by embedding contextual customer information for more customized and proactive assistance. By strategically employing Amazon Bedrock and pursuing advancements in agentic AI, the company seeks to simplify customer service while addressing the intricacies of AI-driven communication.

Q: What functionalities currently define Lex?

A:

Lex presently responds to customer inquiries 24/7 by utilizing the help resources available on the Linkt app and website, and it can effectively guide customers to human agents when necessary.

Q: In what way does Amazon Bedrock enhance Lex’s capabilities?

A:

Amazon Bedrock offers a solid framework that establishes guidelines, ensuring the chatbot can recognize when to escalate situations to human agents, particularly concerning sensitive issues.

Q: What are the short-term objectives for Lex’s evolution?

A:

The immediate objective is to incorporate contextual customer information into Lex, enabling it to provide more personalized and precise responses.

Q: What does agentic AI mean, and how will it influence Lex?

A:

Agentic AI pertains to AI systems that can provide proactive service. For Lex, this signifies the capability to detect potential issues and proactively engage with customers to offer solutions, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience.

Q: What challenges confront Transurban regarding proactive AI?

A:

Challenges include ensuring customer comfort with AI-driven outreach and maintaining clarity regarding the nature of these interactions.

Maile Carnegie of ANZ to Leave Next Month

Vanessa May on June 20, 2025

Maile Carnegie to Leave ANZ as Digital Leader

Quick Overview

Maile Carnegie will exit ANZ next month.
She plans to concentrate on non-executive positions after her departure.
Carnegie was crucial in ANZ’s digital and retail overhaul.
Bruce Rush, the current CEO of Suncorp, has been designated as interim successor.
A worldwide search is underway for a permanent successor.

Carnegie’s Contributions and Influence at ANZ

Maile Carnegie, a key player at ANZ Banking Group, is set to leave her position next month to explore non-executive career paths. As the group executive for Australia retail, she significantly influenced the direction of digital advancements. Her journey at ANZ began in 2016, following her tenure as managing director at Google ANZ.

Leadership and Change at ANZ

Carnegie assumed responsibility for ANZ’s comprehensive transformation in 2019. This role included overseeing the bank’s digital strategies alongside her other duties. Her efforts in areas such as payments, marketing, and digitization were highlighted by ANZ’s CEO, Nuno Matos, who praised her contributions to the bank’s retail sector in Australia.

Leadership Transition and Acting Head

As Carnegie prepares to depart, Bruce Rush, the CEO of Suncorp Bank, has been appointed as the acting group executive for Australia retail and Suncorp Bank. ANZ is on a global hunt for Carnegie’s permanent replacement, emphasizing the significance of this role in the bank’s ongoing strategy.

Conclusion

Maile Carnegie’s exit signifies an important change for ANZ Banking Group. Her guidance in digital transformation has created a lasting legacy within the bank’s framework. With Bruce Rush stepping in as interim leader, ANZ is entering a new phase while searching for Carnegie’s successor.

Q: What is the reason behind Maile Carnegie’s departure from ANZ?

A: Carnegie is leaving to focus on non-executive roles beyond the banking sector.

Q: What position did Carnegie hold at ANZ?

A: She served as the group executive for Australia retail, overseeing digital innovation and transformation strategies.

Q: Who will assume Carnegie’s duties?

A: Bruce Rush, the current Suncorp Bank CEO, has been named the interim group executive.

Q: What will occur following Carnegie’s exit?

A: ANZ is conducting a worldwide search for her permanent successor to ensure the continuity of digital and retail projects.

In Images: Persistent Systems & Google Cloud GenAI Transform Healthcare at Roundtable Gathering

Vanessa May on June 20, 2025

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Microsoft announces data security initiatives for cloud users in Europe

Vanessa May on June 17, 2025

Microsoft’s European Strategies for Cloud Data Protection

Brief Overview

Microsoft guarantees that European data will stay within Europe in accordance with local legislation.
Personnel based in Europe will oversee and authorize remote access to data in real time.
Microsoft’s sovereign private cloud is currently in preview, with a full rollout expected later this year.
Concerns regarding data sovereignty have been raised by European businesses.

Microsoft outlines data protection strategy for cloud customers in Europe

Concerns About Data Sovereignty in Europe

Issues surrounding the potential relocation of their data beyond Europe, especially to countries like the US, have increasingly alarmed European businesses and governments. This concern has driven leading American technology companies, including Microsoft, to implement strategies for data security and adherence to European regulations.

Microsoft’s Pledge to Data Privacy in Europe

To address these issues, Microsoft has revealed that data handled by its cloud customers in Europe will remain stored on the continent, compliant with European legislation. Management will be conducted by local personnel, ensuring complete customer control over their information.

European Personnel’s Real-Time Oversight

All remote system access by Microsoft engineers that involves European data will need approval and real-time oversight from personnel located in Europe. This initiative is designed to strengthen trust and guarantee strict adherence to local regulations.

Launch of the Sovereign Private Cloud

The sovereign private cloud from Microsoft, which is currently in preview, is anticipated to be available to the public later this year. This service is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to improve data security and privacy for cloud customers in Europe.

Conclusion

Microsoft is making substantial progress to alleviate European data privacy worries by ensuring that data remains in Europe and is regulated by local laws. With the upcoming launch of the sovereign private cloud, Microsoft intends to provide enhanced data security and foster trust among users in Europe.

Q: What drove Microsoft to improve data protection practices in Europe?

A: Microsoft introduced these strategies in response to heightened concerns from European businesses and governments about data sovereignty and adherence to local regulations.

Q: How will Microsoft make certain that data stays in Europe?

A: Microsoft will guarantee data remains in Europe by operating in line with European laws and supervising access through local personnel.

Q: What does the sovereign private cloud entail?

A: The sovereign private cloud is a service aimed at improving data security and privacy for cloud users in Europe, currently in a preview phase.

Q: When will the sovereign private cloud be available for general use?

A: Microsoft has indicated that the sovereign private cloud will be launched for general use later this year.

Q: Who will be responsible for monitoring access to European data?

A: Personnel residing in Europe will manage the approval and real-time monitoring of remote data access.

Q: What implications does this have for European customers?

A: European customers can anticipate that their data will be retained within Europe, governed by local laws, with improved privacy and oversight.

Curtin University Propels Ambitious Tech Revamp

Vanessa May on June 15, 2025

Curtin University Tech Evolution

Brief Overview

Curtin University finishes the initial stage of its IT evolution leveraging AWS and ServiceNow.
CIO Jason Cowie spearheads a “radical change” in IT operations.
The institution plans to significantly decrease its applications from 900 to 50.
The subsequent phase concentrates on front-end projects, including an all-in-one student app driven by AI.
The ServiceNow CIO Dashboard is centralized for managing resources and prioritizing projects.

Establishing the Base

Curtin University in Perth has undertaken an ambitious IT reform led by CIO Jason Cowie, who became part of the university in 2018. Assigned with the task of orchestrating a “radical change,” Cowie initiated a restructuring of the IT team to attract premier technology talent. The first phase of the reform involved phasing out outdated systems and building a cloud-based infrastructure in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Curtin University advances in innovative tech overhaul

Curtin University

iStockPhoto

Cowie’s early steps included terminating a suggested data centre update in place of a complete digital strategy. This choice led to the creation of a “foundational cloud” that effectively oversees applications and data, allowing the university to shut down one of its on-site data centres. The objective is to condense the application count from 900 to a controlled 50, ensuring improved management and security.

Complete Transparency

In 2021, Curtin implemented ServiceNow for IT service administration, beginning with incident management and support functions. The platform’s role expanded to encompass project management and risk oversight, ultimately including a performance dashboard for executive monitoring. This all-encompassing CIO Dashboard has become vital for managing resources and determining project priorities, enabling Cowie to effectively display outcomes to stakeholders.

ServiceNow’s Idea Portal further promotes engagement by enabling users to submit and vote on new projects. “We wanted everything monitored in a single central location,” Cowie stated, highlighting the significance of transparency and data-informed decision-making.

The Subsequent Phase

With foundational systems established, Curtin’s IT evolution is advancing to its second stage, concentrating on improving user experiences through AI and automation. This phase aspires to unify various student-facing applications into one seamless platform similar to online banking. Current AI projects include virtual patients for healthcare students and digital assistants for common inquiries.

The university also intends to automate the lifecycle management of its 50,000 IT assets, employing AI to streamline procurement and refresh cycles. “We aim to leverage our data and digital expertise, facilitated by AI, to evolve into a more tech-savvy institution,” Cowie noted, underscoring the aspiration to allow academic staff more freedom to concentrate on research and teaching.

Conclusion

Curtin University’s multi-year IT evolution, guided by CIO Jason Cowie, is establishing new benchmarks in educational technology. The successful completion of the initial phase positions the institution for innovative front-end advancements by utilizing cloud technology and AI to enhance user experiences and operational efficiency.

Q: What was the main goal of Curtin University’s IT evolution?

A: The main goal was to transform the university’s IT infrastructure, phase out legacy systems, and construct a cloud platform with AWS to facilitate future digital services.

Q: How is Curtin University utilizing AI in its IT evolution?

A: AI is being utilized to power an integrated student app, oversee the lifecycle of IT assets, and enrich digital engagement through virtual patient simulations and digital assistants.

Q: What part does ServiceNow play in Curtin’s IT strategy?

A: ServiceNow is fundamental to Curtin’s IT service management, project oversight, and resource allocation, providing a platform for visibility and stakeholder interaction via its CIO Dashboard and Idea Portal.

Q: What are the anticipated results of phase two in Curtin’s IT evolution?

A: Phase two seeks to modernize student interactions, streamline academic services, and diminish the number of applications to roughly 50, harnessing AI and automation to enhance user experiences.