Microsoft reveals Objective Connect as the latest protected Azure cloud partner

Objective Connect is the latest solutions provider to migrate its platform and customers to Microsoft's 'protected' level Azure instance in Canberra.

The Sydney-headquartered solution provider offers a secure content collaboration platform built on Azure specifically catering to the public sector, which focuses on sharing important information within the government ecosystem and their partner networks. The company boasts more than 120,000 users in 70 countries.

Microsoft became the first hyperscale cloud provider approved to host protected-level data on behalf of government clients for its Azure and Office 365 cloud services in April this year after opening two public cloud regions in Canberra. Microsoft is still the only public cloud provider with protected status, joining private cloud providers Sliced Tech, Macquarie Telecom and Dimension Data.

Objective Connect has now migrated more than 100 Australian and New Zealand customers to Microsoft's Azure AU Central Region, including two government agencies: the National Blood Authority and IP Australia.

National Blood Authority chief information officer Peter O'Halloran said the organisation struggled with transparency and traceability once its data was shared with third-parties, which posed a significant threat to compliance with government policy. He estimated that NBA had been able to save more than $100,000 in staff hours per year thanks to the shift.

“Objective Connect ticked all of the boxes – locally hosted, complete auditability of every interaction. It is IRAP assessed, complying with the requirements of the ISM set by Australian Signals Directorate - which is critical when we are exchanging sensitive information," O'Halloran said.

"And with Objective Connect Link, we get deep integration with Micro Focus Content Manager, our on-premise document management system.”

Microsoft Australia's Azure engineering lead James Kavanagh said the protected cloud in Canberra was designed for "robust computing and collaboration for Australia's national critical enterprises" making it a perfect fit for Objective Connect and its customers like the NBA.

“Objective Corporation and Microsoft have a long and trusted relationship, and we are delighted to be working together on the natural evolution of Objective Connect by making it available from the ultra-secure and resilient AU Central Azure region for Objective customers which need uncompromising performance,” Kavanagh said.

Last month, the Digital Transformation Agency was revealed as the first federal government department to adopt Microsoft's protected-level cloud, deploying Microsoft's secure email and collaboration platform Office 365.