Matthew Miller

Services Australia’s expenditure on VMware licensing and support has surged to $94 million.

Matthew Miller on July 5, 2024

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Quick Read

Services Australia extends VMware licensing and support contracts for approximately $94 million spanning a three-year period.
The updated agreement shows a 20% rise in expenses relative to earlier contracts.
Broadcom’s purchase of VMware has resulted in higher licensing costs.
Services Australia is conducting a comprehensive architecture assessment to enhance its systems.

The Expenses for VMware Licensing and Support for Services Australia Increase Substantially

Services Australia's VMware licensing and support renewal amount rises to $94 million

Services Australia has revealed the extension of its long-term licensing and support contracts with VMware, resulting in a significant outlay of nearly $94 million for the upcoming three years. This latest agreement marks a 20% rise in costs relative to the former contracts, which collectively amounted to $78 million.

The New Agreement

The new agreement that was recently signed takes the place of two individual three-year contracts that Services Australia previously held with VMware for the licensing period from 2021 to 2024, as well as for maintenance and support. Services Australia stated that this contract guarantees the ongoing provision of essential software, support, and associated services for the agency’s key service delivery programs, such as Centrelink and Medicare. Additionally, it merges several expiring contracts into a more efficient arrangement.

Effects of Broadcom’s Purchase

The notable rise in VMware licensing expenses is linked to Broadcom’s purchase of VMware, a transaction worth US$61 billion (AUD$86 billion) in 2022. This acquisition has apparently caused a surge in license renewal fees for VMware, mainly because customers are being transitioned to a new per-core subscription model. VMware has recognized “pricing challenges” for some of their long-standing customers, further increasing the financial strain on organizations like Services Australia.

A Long-standing Relationship

Since at least 2009, Services Australia, formerly the Department of Human Services, has upheld a software licensing enterprise agreement with VMware. Over time, several licensing agreements have been established under this ongoing arrangement, with the latest one amounting to an impressive $44 million, covering both hardware and software solutions.

Upcoming Initiatives: Comprehensive Evaluation of System Architecture

Considering these financial factors, Services Australia is planning to initiate a comprehensive end-to-end architecture review this year. Chief Information and Digital Officer Charles McHardie stated that the review would concentrate on assessing each significant system within the agency. The aim is to gain a clearer understanding of which systems are new and which have become outdated over the years, thereby guiding future investments and technology enhancements.

Summary

Services Australia is poised to invest nearly $94 million to renew their VMware licensing and support agreements over the next three years, representing a substantial 20% increase compared to past contracts. This cost escalation is primarily driven by Broadcom’s purchase of VMware and the resulting increase in licence fees. To meet future requirements and refine their system architecture, Services Australia intends to conduct a comprehensive review of its major systems.

Why has the price of VMware licensing and support gone up for Services Australia?

A:

The cost has risen as a result of Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, which has introduced higher license fees under a new per-core subscription model.

What is the monetary worth of the new contract between Services Australia and VMware?

A:

The new contract is worth nearly $94 million over three years.

Which programs will gain advantages from this updated agreement?

A:

The updated agreement will facilitate key service delivery initiatives like Centrelink and Medicare.

Q: For how many years has Services Australia maintained a licensing contract with VMware?

A:

Since at least 2009, Services Australia has maintained a licensing agreement with VMware.

Q: What is the objective of Services Australia’s comprehensive architecture assessment?

A:

The purpose of the review is to assess each key system within the organization to identify potential future investments and technology enhancements.

What was the aggregate value of the prior contracts for VMware licenses and support?

A:

The earlier agreements had a total value of $78 million.

Who is Charles McHardie?

A:

Charles McHardie holds the position of Chief Information and Digital Officer at Services Australia.

To read more articles similar to this one, go to [TechBest](https://techbest.com.au).

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ANU Aims to Develop Quantum Computer with Ambitious Initiative

Matthew Miller on July 4, 2024

Quick Read

Australian National University (ANU) plans to establish an on-campus quantum computer.
Fujitsu Australia will partner with ANU to accomplish this objective.
Researchers from ANU will gain access to quantum systems and simulators in Japan.
Fujitsu and RIKEN are working on a quantum machine with 256 qubits, aiming to finish by March 2025.
There are plans underway for a future machine with 1000 qubits.
The project emphasizes progressing research in cryptography, materials science, and quantum simulations.
The partnership seeks to improve higher education and cultivate quantum computing expertise in Australia.

ANU’s Quest for Quantum: Progressing Towards Tomorrow

The Australian National University (ANU) has made a notable advance in the technology sector by announcing its intention to build an onsite quantum computer. To achieve this ambitious objective, ANU has joined forces with Fujitsu Australia. This collaboration is anticipated to enhance Australia’s position in the international quantum computing field.

ANU lays out ambition to have a quantum computer

Strategic Partnership with Fujitsu Australia

In pursuit of its quantum computing goals, ANU has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Fujitsu Australia. This strategic partnership is intended not only to build an onsite quantum computer but also to give ANU researchers and academics access to advanced quantum systems and simulators in Japan. These resources will play a crucial role in bridging the interim period until the onsite quantum computer becomes functional.

Quantum Devices and Emulators

Fujitsu is collaborating with RIKEN, Japan’s national scientific research institute, to create a 256-qubit quantum machine, which is projected to be completed by March 2025. The collaboration also aims to develop a more advanced machine with up to 1000 qubits shortly thereafter. These advancements represent important progress in quantum computing.

Building Local Expertise

ANU has articulated its aspiration to possess an onsite quantum computer in the long term. This initiative is intended to cultivate local expertise and advance research in domains such as cryptography, materials science, and quantum simulations. The partnership with Fujitsu is anticipated to act as a driving force, nurturing a skilled workforce of quantum computing experts in Australia.

Nurturing Quantum Computing Talent

Lachlan Blackhall, a professor at ANU and the deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, remarked, “Our partnership with Fujitsu enhances and supports the ANU mission to advance higher education in emerging technologies such as quantum computing. This initiative will contribute to developing a skilled workforce of quantum computing experts in Australia.”

The collaboration will leverage ANU’s expertise in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms, offering the potential for significant progress in these fields.

Summary

The Australian National University (ANU) is committed to creating an on-site quantum computer, partnering with Fujitsu Australia to achieve this objective. ANU researchers will have access to state-of-the-art quantum systems and simulators in Japan as they pursue their target. This effort aims to enhance Australia’s knowledge in cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations, while also nurturing the upcoming generation of quantum computing experts.

What is the primary objective of ANU in the field of quantum computing?

A:

The Australian National University (ANU) intends to establish an onsite quantum computer to promote research across multiple disciplines and develop local proficiency.

Who is collaborating with ANU for this project?

A:

ANU has collaborated with Fujitsu Australia to create the onsite quantum computer and offer temporary access to advanced quantum systems and simulators located in Japan.

Q: What are the main initiatives that Fujitsu is collaborating on with RIKEN?

A:

Fujitsu and RIKEN are working on creating a 256-qubit quantum computer, with plans to have it completed by March 2025, and subsequently aim to develop a more sophisticated machine with up to 1000 qubits.

Q: In what ways will this initiative be advantageous for Australia?

A:

This effort will strengthen Australia’s expertise in areas such as cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations. Additionally, it will assist in developing a proficient workforce in quantum computing.

Q: What scholastic advantages does ANU anticipate from this partnership?

A:

ANU anticipates that the partnership will advance higher education in cutting-edge technologies, with a focus on quantum computing, and enhance its initiatives in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms.

When is ANU planning to establish its own quantum computer on site?

A:

Although ANU has announced plans to establish an onsite quantum computer, they have not disclosed a definite timeline for this initiative.

What function will the onsite quantum computer serve when it becomes operational?

A:

The quantum computer located on-site will facilitate advanced research in areas like cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations, aiding in the development of local expertise and promoting innovation.

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Victoria’s transport network integrates survey data into its digital engineering transformation.

Matthew Miller on July 3, 2024

Victoria’s Transportation Network Adopts Survey Data in Digital Engineering Revamp

Victoria’s transportation network incorporates survey data into a digital engineering transformation.

Quick Read

The Victorian government rolls out the Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative.
VTDE seeks to establish a highly interconnected network of digital engineering and asset information by the year 2026.
Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform is being utilized to visualize and analyze survey data.
Survey data comprises two-dimensional and three-dimensional datasets, photographic meshes, and LiDAR point clouds.
Providing better access to data has the potential to enhance policy-making and lower expenses in transportation initiatives.
VTDE seeks to remain effective despite changes in government and deliver lasting benefits.

Victorian Transport Digital Engineering Program

The Victorian government has initiated a transformative path with the Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative. Defined as a collaborative project within the Victorian Transport portfolio, VTDE seeks to create a “highly interconnected system of digital engineering and asset information” by the year 2026.

At the Bentley Illuminate conference in Sydney, Ban Chee, the reality capture data manager for the VTDE program, emphasized the major advancements in utilizing survey data to enhance decision-making processes.

Survey Data Integration

Victoria's Transport System Embraces Survey Data in Digital Engineering Overhaul

The VTDE program is combining different kinds of survey data, such as 2D and 3D survey information, photo meshes, and LiDAR point clouds. Chee states that the main difficulty at present is merging this data from various origins into a single, user-friendly platform.

Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform plays a central role in this integration initiative, enabling efficient visualization and analysis of survey data. The platform is presently accessible via GIS or IBM Maximo systems utilized for transport asset information.

Impact on Decision-Making

Chee highlighted that making this survey data easily accessible could greatly improve policy decisions and lead to more effective spending on transportation projects. By providing decision-makers and designers in the government with better information, the VTDE initiative seeks to create a setting where informed choices are standard practice.

“We must make sure that high-quality data is both gathered and shared,” stated Chee. “This strategy can avoid duplicate surveying activities and reduce expenses on government infrastructure initiatives.”

Long-Term Vision

One of the main objectives of VTDE is to develop a data resource that retains its value regardless of shifts in government structures or priorities. This consistency is essential for long-term planning and budgeting for future transportation projects.

Chee conveyed confidence that the data resources created through VTDE would remain valuable despite changes in government administrations and departmental reorganizations, all encompassed by the term ‘machinery of government’.

Summary

The Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative represents an innovative project designed to establish a cohesive, user-focused repository of survey data. By leveraging Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform, the VTDE program aims to improve policy decisions and efficiency in transport projects, while maintaining long-term utility regardless of changes in government.

Q: What does the VTDE initiative involve?

The Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative is a project with the goal of establishing an extensively interconnected digital engineering and asset information ecosystem by the year 2026.

What varieties of survey data are being combined?

The project combines different forms of survey data, such as 2D and 3D survey information, photogrammetric meshes, and LiDAR point clouds.

What platform is utilized for data visualization?

Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform is utilized to visualize and examine the survey data.

Question: What effect will this initiative have on decision-making?

Providing access to survey data will enable government officials and designers to make better-informed decisions, potentially resulting in more efficient allocation of funds for transport projects.

What does the term ‘machinery of government’ refer to?

‘Machinery of government’ describes alterations in government frameworks or priorities. The VTDE project seeks to establish a data resource that retains its value regardless of these modifications.

Q: What strategies does VTDE have to secure its long-term usefulness?

A: By establishing a strong and easily accessible data resource, the VTDE initiative seeks to offer ongoing value for transportation planning and budgeting, regardless of changes in government.