Landmark Agreement Between Defence And Microsoft

Landmark Agreement Signed Between Defence And Microsoft

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator Eric Abetz and the Chairman of Microsoft Corporation, Mr Bill Gates today marked the signing of a landmark agreement between the Department of Defence and Microsoft, which will provide Defence with significant technological and financial benefits.

"Under the agreement, Defence will have access to leading edge Microsoft technologies consistent with those adopted by all of Australia's major military allies," Senator Abetz said.

The agreement recognises the close relationship that already exists between Microsoft and Defence.

"This relationship includes commercial and collaborative planning, research and development activities, and will enhance Defence's ongoing quest towards maintaining a distinctive knowledge edge," Senator Abetz said.

"The agreement will also enable Defence to develop and leverage its significant investment in Microsoft technologies towards more sophisticated business, knowledge management and technical uses. This will provide long term benefits in the way Defence handles it's IT business."

Senator Abetz said the agreement also provides Defence with significant financial benefits by consolidating its purchasing contracts, reducing administrative costs and maximising the purchasing power of Defence as a major Australian organisation.

"The agreement is consistent with Defence's aim of obtaining best value for money by ensuring commercial arrangements specifically acknowledge Defence's unique operational and business circumstances," Senator Abetz said.

ENDS

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