Australian construction defence specialist signs cloud deal

Macquarie Cloud Services announced it is providing Microsoft Azure public cloud services to Symal Group to support the company’s digital foundation and rapid growth. Symal Group was founded in Melbourne in 2001 and has since evolved into a newly ASX-listed construction giant. The group comprises five complementary businesses with services across contracting, plant and equipment hire, material sales and recycling, all spanning multiple sectors. With digital innovation a core focus for the company and key reason behind its continued growth, Symal needed a Microsoft Azure specialist provider with deep technical expertise, according to Trent Dawson, General Manager IT and Systems, Symal Group. “We’ve been moving at pace, and we needed a new partner who could keep up and match our digital ambition and expertise,” said Dawson. “It became very clear that Macquarie Cloud Services’ team had what it takes – their experience in managing Azure DevOps environments which we have, the AI foundations and developments they’ve made as a company, and really walking the talk of customer service. Many providers talk a big game here, but it’s ingrained in every aspect of what Macquarie Cloud gives and it makes for a truly proactive partnership experience.” Macquarie Cloud Services managing the Azure environment has freed Trent and his team of more than 20 technology experts from time-consuming tasks like software patching to focus on business growth, security and networking. Macquarie has also enabled cost savings including a 10 percent reduction in Microsoft subscriptions and reducing certain less-used cloud resources. Symal also benefitted from improved commercial discounts on Azure consumption and the deployment of cloud-native monitoring, which significantly reduced infrastructure downtime and improved capacity management. At the same time, a heightened need for robust cybersecurity and compliance measures was a front-of-mind concern for Symal to ensure the seamless integration of new acquisitions while reducing both the cost and risk often associated with growth. Symal is focusing heavily on building AI capabilities in its Azure environment, including the development of large language models (LLMs) through Microsoft Copilot, building its own AI agents, and leveraging its data in new ways. The company is looking at a number of AI developments to improve construction projects’ efficiency and reduce risk. “The construction sector has lagged behind in technology and innovation for so long, but in the last few years we’re seeing a drastic shift and more impactful digital services being offered and created,” said Dawson. “Innovating with intent is one of our core values and we’re 100 per cent committed, from the top down, in being a leader in the industry transformation that’s happening. AI will be central to that and so will having a partner in Macquarie Cloud we can rely on to manage our Azure environment and who has that AI expertise and focus.” Macquarie Cloud Services Head of Azure, Naran McClung, says Symal’s unique innovation and AI focus will help to improve efficiency and digitalisation in Australia’s construction sector. “AI can’t construct buildings, but it can dramatically improve efficiency, forecasting, collaboration, and lower costs for construction companies and customers,” said McClung. “Symal doesn’t just see this or sit back and wait for it; they’re experimenting now and creating this change the industry needs. We’re committed to helping them achieve that vision with our own unique approach to data, Azure cloud management and customer service.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]