Datacom has opened a new, larger office in Canberra as it seeks to capitalise on new government opportunities.
The formal opening was officiated by government MP Ed Husic, and the 200-strong headcount in Canberra takes the company’s total staff count to over 2,500. The company also maintains two offices in Adelaide and one each in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
Mike Fuller, managing director of Datacom, attributed the company’s growing strength in servicing government clients to its deep understanding of the sector and a culture focused on customer experience, innovation, and strong partner networks. “Our extensive experience and customer-oriented culture, combined with a focus on innovation and better ways of working, are key to our robust government support,” Fuller said in an interview with Channel Insider. “As digitisation ramps up, there’s a growing synergy between the government and tech sectors, focusing on technology that makes a real difference to the communities we serve.”
Fuller acknowledged the significant challenges government agencies face with technology, particularly in cybersecurity and AI. “The biggest technology challenges are around applications, especially with cyber security and AI,” he said. “The government’s role in creating supportive policies is crucial, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and AI, where the balance between safety and innovation is essential.”
While a change of government typically means shifting investment focuses and can make focusing on government contracts challenging, Fuller said he was confident in the long-term demand for technology across departments, citing AI as a pivotal area of focus. “Technological advancement is inherently bipartisan and will continue to push boundaries,” he said. “AI has been the hot topic for a considerable time now and shows little sign of losing momentum. It’s the kind of technology that can signal a fundamental shift in the way we work and serve customers and citizens.”
Another area that Datacom believes will set it up well to engage with the government is its commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly a requirement for public sector contracts and engagement. Datacom’s goal is to achieve net carbon zero by 2030, and its data centres in New Zealand, powered by 100% renewable energy, significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Beyond the additional investment in supporting government clients, Datacom continues to invest in spaces that promote productivity and innovation. “Our most recent business expansion has been centred around where we can increase value for our customers,” Fuller said. “We also have a new warehouse facility in Northwest Sydney that spans 1,500 square metres and is equipped with advanced inventory management systems.”
“We also have a new integration centre in SA with the capability to process and configure thousands of digital devices every week.”
“What excites me most at the moment is the increasing focus on customer value. Gone are the days when technology companies were prescriptive about the tools and services customers get. The shift to a more collaborative environment definitely plays to our strengths.”
Read more about the APAC region, including the latest M&A activity and how GenAI is exceeding, and occasionally failing to meet, business expectations.