The CEO of Downer, Grant Fenn, said Downer is excited to be working with Microsoft.

“I believe the strategic alliance will provide Downer with unique capabilities to grow offerings in both new and existing markets,” he said. 

Both companies will make significant mutual commitments and investments in technology, solution development and go-to-market efforts. Under the alliance, to support Downer’s solution development efforts and investments, Microsoft will invest resources and funding to help accelerate time-to-market for targeted Azure-based cloud services, whilst Downer will offer these solutions and services as an integral part of its current portfolio of solutions and services.

Microsoft Australia’s managing director Steven Worrall said, “This will accelerate the pace at which Downer and Microsoft can innovate on our customers’ behalf. We do not underestimate the value that this will unlock – our collaboration will deliver fresh perspectives and deep technical understanding to address the specific challenges and opportunities facing the industries we serve.

“Microsoft is pleased to collaborate with a respected business leader such as Downer – assured in the value that we can deliver as a result of this relationship.”

The alliance between the companies is expected to deliver a continuous stream of new cloud-based solutions and service offerings over the next 18 months, with the first wave of offerings expected for a phased release during the second of half of 2017.