CareSuper partners with Macquarie for Azure migration, tech overhaul

CareSuper has selected Macquarie Cloud Services to oversee the migration of its technology environment from VMware Cloud on AWS to Microsoft Azure as part of an infrastructure transformation strategy.

The arrangement involves a comprehensive migration of CareSuper's operational landscape - encompassing hundreds of applications and petabytes of data - into a Managed Edge Azure Local solution.

The superannuation fund, managing over AUD $57 billion and serving more than 573,000 members, aims to achieve a more modern and cost-effective environment through this change.

CareSuper is focusing on optimising operations in a way that aligns with the long-term interests of its members. Chief Technology Officer Simon Reiter highlighted the importance of this focus, stating:

"Our goal is to optimise every part of our operation so we can deliver long-term value to our members. Cloud decisions must serve that mission – not just today, but five years from now. Macquarie Cloud Services stood out as a partner who could deliver both the technical transformation and the ongoing managed service maturity required."

As part of the engagement, Macquarie will migrate all workloads from the existing VMware Cloud on AWS environment to a newly established Azure landing zone.

The project also covers database modernisation and a shift towards platform-as-a-service (PaaS) models, intended to simplify operations and drive further efficiency.

Changing trends

Naran McClung, Head of Azure at Macquarie Cloud Services, observed that the shift away from AWS is increasing in the Australian market. He commented:

"We're seeing a wave of repatriation from AWS. For many organisations, rising costs, and architectural limitations have made them re-evaluate. But it's not just about moving away – it's about moving forward. That's where our team adds value."

One notable feature of the agreement is Macquarie's approach to risk and cost management. The company has agreed to assume the risk of the migration project, offering CareSuper a transformation with no upfront cost and full accountability for the outcome.

Simon Reiter commented on this arrangement, saying:

"What we've found in partnering with Macquarie Cloud Services is a team of experts who can transform, refactor, migrate, and ensure we get the best operational value from our cloud environment. That the company backs itself by taking on the cost risk of the migration phase is telling of its capabilities and commitment to putting customers first."

Azure recognition

Macquarie Cloud Services has maintained its Microsoft Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP) status for four consecutive years, making it one of a limited group of partners in the Asia Pacific region to hold this designation.

Retention of this status is subject to annual audits and ongoing delivery performance.

Naran McClung explained the significance of the achievement:

"We've seen our Azure team and business expand by about 20 per cent every year since we set it up in 2020. Becoming an Azure Expert MSP is not a lifetime achievement; it takes incredible dedication, assessments requiring dozens of the team to come together, and – most importantly – an ability to deliver value to customers time and time again."

The migration project is intended not only to address current technological and financial objectives but also to support CareSuper's efforts to provide consistent, long-term value to its members by streamlining technology management and reducing operational complexity.