February 28, 2025; Brisbane, Australia: Management and technology advisory firm, Business Aspect, a Data#3 company, today announced that February 2025 marks a major milestone for the company – 20 years in business.
“Since the acquisition of Business Aspect in 2014, they have seamlessly integrated into our team, bringing immense value and expertise. Consulting has always been a core part of our strategy, and Business Aspect has played a pivotal role in helping our customers navigate their technology projects, challenges, implementations, and best-practices,” said Brad Colledge, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Data#3.
“This achievement wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team, valued customers, and trusted partners. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our success, both past and present.”
Established in 2005, Business Aspect has consistently demonstrated exceptional longevity and growth. Over two decades, it has built a formidable reputation for its expertise in ICT and digital strategy, transformation and governance, information and analytics, and cyber security and risk.
“From humble beginnings in a small cottage in Spring Hill to becoming a recognised name in the industry, our journey has been defined by continuous adaptation and an unrelenting focus on delivering the best outcomes for our customers,” said Peter Jarrett, General Manager of Business Aspect.
“Looking to the future, our goal is to guide our customers through the complexities of the digital and AI landscape, providing them with the expertise and support they need to thrive. Our commitment to delivering impactful outcomes for our customers is as strong as ever. When we help our customers to overcome their challenges, we’re making the community a better place, and that’s something pretty amazing to be proud of,” concluded Jarrett.
Business Aspect supports organisations in navigating ICT and digital transformation challenges through expert business and technology consulting. It provides insight, strategy, and execution to enable meaningful change.
20 February 2025; Brisbane, Australia: With Windows 10 reaching end-of-support in October 2025, organisations must take a proactive approach to ensure security, compliance, and operational continuity. The transition to Windows 11, alongside the emergence of AI-powered PCs, marks a significant opportunity for IT leaders to modernise their device strategies and capitalise on advancements designed to enhance productivity and efficiency. In a recent IT News article, Data#3’s EUC Practice Manager, Paula Fountain joined industry experts to discuss the urgency of upgrading, the impact of AI-driven hardware, and how organisations can navigate this shift effectively.
At Data#3, we are working closely with customers to mitigate risk, streamline deployment, and maximise the benefits of next-generation devices. In this interview, Paula shares key insights on the technical and strategic considerations for IT teams, from addressing compatibility challenges to leveraging AI-driven capabilities for long-term business value.
Question: The industry has pushed for urgency in customers moving off Windows 10. Have you seen urgency from customers yet?
Technology evolves rapidly, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest features and understand how they can benefit. The IT industry has emphasised the urgency for customers to move off Windows 10, and we are starting to see this urgency reflected in customer behaviour. Initially, the adoption of Windows 11 was slow, likely due to lingering concerns from the migration to Windows 10. Early adopters have already made the transition, and Data#3 is one of them! However, as the Windows 10 end-of-support (EOS) date approaches, we are now seeing a notable increase in customers who have not yet migrated actively seeking assistance.
It’s important to note that the Windows 10 EOL is not like OS upgrades of the past. With no updates or patches on the horizon, customers still using Windows 10 will find themselves increasingly exposed to serious security risks. Customers must migrate to Windows 11, to avoid unavoidable consequences such as security vulnerabilities and unsupported systems.
Question: Has your business been involved in any Windows 10 end of support campaigns/initiatives and have they achieved much traction?
As Microsoft’s Largest Partner in Australia, we are among a select group of partners participating in a specialised program. This program provides additional investment to support our customers through educational initiatives, workshops, and enablement sessions, webinars and customer POCs. At all sessions we have seen full attendance and active engagement from our customers. Our primary goal is to ensure customers have comprehensive insights into the benefits and value of Win 11 empowering them to make informed decisions for their business needs.
Question: Are you seeing any interesting implications of Microsoft’s upcoming removal of support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 in October?
Some customers remain unaware of this change, which could result in businesses being caught off guard. Consequently, they may incur unforeseen costs, not only related to ongoing support challenges but also due to the inability to access future features and enhancements in Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10. Users may encounter degraded performance with lack of new features and outdated interface on unsupported systems.
Question: Some predicted Windows 10 reaching end-of-support and the arrival of AI PCs resulting a PC sales bonanza. Are you seeing that sales bonanza?.
In the current economic climate, I believe customers are prioritising cost-saving measures and leaning toward incremental refresh strategies rather than adhering to the traditional three-year refresh cycles. While I wouldn’t describe the current market as a bonanza, there has been significant opportunity fuelled by the convergence of AI-powered PCs and the Windows 10 end-of-support, both positioned as ways to future-proof customer investments. However, this year, the sentiment appears to reflect cautious optimism rather than unchecked enthusiasm and over hype.
Question: To what extent are you seeing customers think strategically about their future use of AI when purchasing PCs?
The adoption of AI technology varies significantly based on the maturity of a customer’s business, as well as their existing compliance and security posture, making it a complex topic to address universally. Many of our customers are actively seeking information, consulting services, and engaging in pilot initiatives to explore AI solutions while adhering to their company protocols. Customers are also conducting user profiling to identify specific technology needs, ensuring optimal productivity as they embrace this evolving technological landscape. They are increasingly adopting a holistic approach to AI, integrating it into their core business strategies to drive innovation and efficiency.
We assist them by providing tailored AI solutions, comprehensive training, and ongoing support to ensure seamless integration and maximum impact. This shift in approach to leveraging AI also influences their device strategy, as they seek to deploy AI-enabled devices that enhance their operational capabilities and align with their long-term technological goals.
Question: Are you selling many AI PCs yet?
Data#3 has been actively engaged in the sale of AI-enabled PCs. With the new AI-enabled PCs only becoming available recently, and as the OEMs continue to launch new models, the market is expected to transition predominantly to AI-powered PCs. Over the next year, we anticipate a significant shift toward these devices, as they will constitute most available offerings. We are also changing how customers consume via Device as a Service (DaaS), which helps with lifecycle management and consumption. This approach allows customers to stay up-to-date with the latest technology while optimising their operational efficiency and cost management.
Question: To what extent are you seeing demand or interest from your customers in AI capabilities in PCs? If so, which types of customers (size, vertical, role etc) are you seeing demand from?
We are observing a significant increase in demand for AI capabilities in PCs across various sectors. These customers are seeking advanced AI features to enhance their operational efficiency, improve decision-making processes, and provide better services. While the demand is increasing across sectors, the benefits delivered within each industry is unique. For example, in healthcare, they can help enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline administrative tasks, allowing professionals to focus more on patient care. In education, they can accelerate learning, improve efficiency, and ultimately, provided personal learning paths.
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BRISBANE, Wednesday 19 February 2025: Australian business technology solutions leader Data#3 Limited (ASX: DTL) today announces its results for the half year ended 31 December 2024 (1H FY25).
1H FY25 Highlights
Commenting on the 1H FY25 result, Data#3 Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Brad Colledge said: “We are pleased to report gross sales growth of 7.4% to $1.4 billion, and gross profit growth of 10.0% to $143.6 million for the first half of FY25. We also successfully improved overall gross margin and maintained underlying operating leverage, despite ongoing challenging economic conditions.
“Our Net Profit Before Tax (NPBT) of $32.0 million is up 4.1%, in line with guidance for the first half of $31 million to $33 million provided at the 2024 Annual General Meeting. Before $0.9 million in one-off redundancy costs incurred in the first half relating to restructuring initiatives, this represents growth in underlying NPBT of 7.0%.
“Our Services business performed strongly, with gross sales from services up 19.3% on the previous corresponding period, predominately driven by solid growth in our Managed and Maintenance Services business units which benefitted from a number of significant contract renewals and some large contract wins. Software Solutions delivered record gross sales of $975.6 million for the first half, boosted by demand for security products and cloud subscriptions. Both these high growth areas positively contributed to an increase in our recurring revenue from 67% in FY24 to 70% this half. Infrastructure Solutions gross sales declined 12.9% on the prior period, predominately impacted by ongoing delayed decision making by customers.
“Our core business remains resilient as we continue to align with our customers’ priorities, such as security, multi-cloud and connectivity, and evolve our strategy with our world-leading vendor partners.”
Our staff and customer satisfaction survey results remain strong. In addition to being recognised as an Employer of Choice and recertified as one of Australia’s best technology workplaces, the Company has been recertified as a Family Inclusive workplace.
| 1H FY25 $’000 | 1H FY241 $’000 | % Change | |
| Gross sales | 1,412,764 | 1,315,274 | +7.4% |
| IFRS adjustments | (1,021,581) | (916,398) | |
| Other revenue | 6,671 | 6,584 | |
| Total statutory revenue1 | 397,854 | 405,460 | -1.9% |
| Total gross profit (excl interest income) | 143,589 | 130,555 | +10.0% |
| Total margin on gross sales | 10.2% | 9.9% | |
| NPBT | 32,025 | 30,761 | +4.1% |
| NPAT | 22,350 | 21,421 | +4.3% |
| Return on equity | 28.5% | 29.9% | |
| Basic earnings per share | 14.43 cents | 13.85 cents | +4.2% |
| Dividend per share | 13.10 cents | 12.60 cents | +4.0% |
| Dividend payout ratio | 90.8% | 91.0% |
The directors have declared an interim fully franked dividend of 13.10 cents per share. This represents an increase of 4.0% on the previous corresponding period and a payout ratio of 90.8%.
The interim dividend will be paid on 31 March 2025, with a record date of 17 March 2025.
The group’s performance is underpinned by its leading market position, unrivalled vendor relationships, large and long-standing customer base serviced by a highly experienced and skilled Data#3 team.
Data#3 Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Colledge said: “Data#3 is well placed to continue to deliver sustainable growth in FY25. We have a growing market, pent up demand for devices based on the Windows 11 opportunity and the AI PC, and we are also seeing increased interest in multicloud solutions and AI. Our Services businesses continue to grow faster than the market with security solutions leading the way. Security solutions remain our customers’ number one priority, and demand is strong across the solutions lifecycle from consulting and procurement to adoption and management.”
“We have been actively implementing a range of strategic initiatives to mitigate the financial impact on our Software Solutions business of the Microsoft incentive changes starting 1 January 20251. We have a proven track record of adapting to changes in vendor incentive programs with speed and agility, and have already increased our focus on the Small, Medium and Corporate (SMC) customer segments and are well advanced with Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), Copilot , and security solutions, and Azure cloud migrations. The FY25 financial impact of the Microsoft incentive changes is expected to be immaterial.”
Mr Colledge said: “Consistent with previous practice, we do not intend to provide specific FY25 guidance at this stage. In line with previous years, we continue to expect a sales peak in the months of May and June, and to deliver sustainable earnings growth for our shareholders.”
The company will present a market briefing on the results starting at 10:00am (AEST) / 11:00am (AEDT) today, 19 February 2025.
The following URL will provide access to the live event, and to an archived webcast following the event:
https://webcast.openbriefing.com/dtl-hyr-2025/.
1 Change to revenue accounting policy
Effective 1 July 2023, software licensing and vendor delivered maintenance support revenues are presented on a net agency basis, with comparatives restated. This was in response to updated guidance released for software resellers in 2022 on the application of the revenue accounting standard (AASB 15) and is a statutory presentation change only. The Company will continue to measure its operational performance in terms of Gross Sales, with both Gross Sales and statutory revenue to be reported to ensure comparability with historical reporting and to align with how the company internally measures performance.
January 29, 2025; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to share that its Chief Financial Officer, Cherie O’Riordan, has recently joined the Women in Digital (WID) Advisory Board. This prestigious appointment highlights Ms O’Riordan’s exceptional leadership and dedication to supporting and mentoring women in the tech industry.
Ms O’Riordan brings a wealth of experience and a unique leadership style to the WID Advisory Board. As a successful C-level leader, she is passionate about identifying, engaging, and developing talent through mentoring and empowerment, particularly for women in the tech industry.
Data#3 Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Brad Colledge, commented: “We are delighted to see Cherie join the WID Advisory Board. Her commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and her passion for mentoring and empowerment align perfectly with our values at Data#3. We work in a diverse community, and this is reflected in our workforce. We see the many unique perspectives, skills, and experiences of our people as a strength to be nurtured. Cherie’s expertise will be invaluable as she contributes to the advancement of diversity and inclusion within the digital and tech industry.”
Ms O’Riordan shared her enthusiasm about the appointment: “I am honoured to join the WID Advisory Board and look forward to contributing to its mission. Supporting WID’s goal to connect, educate, and empower women in digital and harness the power of technology to create a better future for all is something I am deeply passionate about. Achieving greater gender diversity in the digital and technology fields and supporting STEM for young women are causes close to my heart.”
Ms O’Riordan joins an esteemed group of professionals on the WID Advisory Board, including Remona Murugan, Head of Technology Platforms at Rio Tinto, and Nadine Moore, Chief Growth Officer at The Children’s Hospital Foundation. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the board.
Data#3 has also recently marked the fourth year of the Brenda Conroy Future Leaders Internship Program, which honours a beloved colleague’s extraordinary 35-year legacy. Launched in partnership with Cisco, Women in Digital, and leading Queensland universities, the program is tailored to female undergraduate students pursuing careers in IT. Over three weeks, interns gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and career guidance, setting them up for future success in the dynamic world of technology.
Brenda Conroy’s passion for the IT industry and her unwavering commitment to empowering others is the foundation of the program. Through her legacy, the aim is to foster diversity, nurture talent, and pave the way for the next generation of women in IT.
December 11, 2024; Sydney, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is thrilled to announce its recent accolades at the prestigious Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) awards ceremony. Data#3 was honoured with the 2024 Aruba Partnership Excellence Partner of the Year and the HPE Financial Services Partner of the Year awards.
The Aruba Partnership Excellence Partner of the Year award highlights Data#3’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Its excellence in performance, resource investment, and strategic alignment ensures that customers receive top-tier service and innovative solutions.
Paula Fountain, National Practice Manager for HPE at Data#3, commented, “Our proactive collaboration with executives, commitment to mutual long-term success, and customer-centric approach define our ethos. Thanks to the HPE/Aruba team for their unwavering support and shared vision. We’re excited for the opportunities ahead.”
The HPE Financial Services Partner of the Year award recognised Data#3 for delivering innovative as-a-service offerings, including HPI and HPE solutions. This award underscores Data#3’s commitment to driving innovation and providing exceptional value through cutting-edge customer projects and solutions.
Rob McCabe, General Manager for Infrastructure Solutions at Data#3, added, ” A key part of our relationship is that we’re culturally aligned and like-minded. The way we engage and look after each other, it’s a really strong relationship. We’re in it together, and that is demonstrated by these awards. We love working with HPE/Aruba and are looking forward to a very successful 2025/26.”
With over three decades of partnership experience, Data#3 is one of HPE’s largest Platinum Partners in Asia Pacific. Leveraging HPE’s broad range of solutions and services, as well as its renowned Aruba technology, Data#3 helps its customers to accelerate digital transformation and unlock true business value.
November 29, 2024; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce its recognition as the recipient of three prestigious awards at the annual HP Partner Awards 2024. Data#3 secured the following accolades:
These awards underscore Data#3’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable practices in delivering HP solutions to customers across Australia.
The HP Amplify Partner of the Year award stands out as a significant achievement, being HP’s flagship award and an outstanding accomplishment for Data#3. It highlights Data#3’s exceptional ability to leverage the entire HP portfolio. This prestigious accolade recognises Data#3’s comprehensive approach to partnership, demonstrating its capacity to embrace and excel across all areas of HP’s offerings.
Data#3’s success in securing this award showcases its proficiency in delivering solutions to customers from every segment of HP’s diverse range of products and services. This achievement underscores Data#3’s commitment to driving a strong joint brand presence in the market, effectively aligning with HP’s strategic focus areas.
Data#3 Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Brad Colledge, who attended the awards ceremony, expressed his excitement about the company’s achievements: “We are thrilled to receive these prestigious awards from HP. It was an honour to attend the awards night and accept these accolades on behalf of Data#3. This recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in leveraging HP’s entire portfolio to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers. It showcases our commitment to driving innovation across all aspects of HP’s offerings, from PCs and Poly technologies to services and sustainability initiatives.”
Data#3’s National Practice Manager for End User Computing, Paula Fountain, added, “The HP Amplify Partner of the Year award, along with our other recognitions, not only celebrates our achievements but also motivates us to continue pushing boundaries in delivering innovative and sustainable technology solutions. We’re grateful for the trust our customers place in us and the strong partnership we share with HP. Together, we’re shaping the future of technology and driving positive change in the industry.”
The Sustainable Impact award further highlights Data#3’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices and its efforts in promoting sustainable technology solutions. This aligns with the company’s broader mission to contribute positively to environmental stewardship within the IT industry.
Securing the Poly Growth Partner of the Year 2024 award demonstrates Data#3’s excellence in integrating and promoting HP’s Poly collaboration technologies, thereby addressing the evolving needs of modern workplaces and hybrid work environments.
These awards further strengthen the longstanding 30+ year partnership between Data#3 and HP, serving as a true testament to the dedication of our team.
BRISBANE, Wednesday 27 November 2024: Australia’s leading IT services and solutions provider Data#3 Limited (ASX:DTL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bronwyn Morris to its board of directors with effect from 1 December 2024.
Bronwyn has served as Chair and Non-Executive Director on multiple ASX-listed companies and large government owned corporations over the past 25 years, with broad experience in setting strategic direction as well as specific responsibility for financial, audit, corporate governance and compliance. With experience drawn from a career in finance and accounting, Bronwyn will take over responsibility as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Bronwyn is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She was also the Queensland AICD Gold Medal Winner in 2023 and has an outstanding record of achievement as a Non-Executive Director.
Bronwyn is currently a Non-Executive of Director of Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Limited, National Intermodal Corporation Limited, and RACQ Foundation (Chair).
Mark Gray, Data#3 Chairman commented: “As foreshadowed at our recent Annual General Meeting, after an externally facilitated process and as part of the company’s ongoing renewal program, we are delighted to appoint someone with Bronwyn’s extensive knowledge and experience to the Board. As we build on our leading position in the dynamic and rapidly evolving IT market, Bronwyn’s expertise will be most valuable, and we welcome her to Data#3.”
“I am delighted to be joining the board of a strong and successful company like Data#3. I look forward to working with the dedicated and committed team at Data#3 to help shape its future growth and success”, commented Bronwyn.
November 01, 2024; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce that it has been awarded two Cisco awards; APJC Reimagine Work Partner of the Year at the 2024 Webex Partner Awards held at WebexOne and APJC Collaboration Partner of the Year at Cisco Partner Summit 2024.
These prestigious awards recognise Data#3 for enabling companies to deliver best-in-class collaborative experiences. Data#3’s deep understanding of modern workplace needs and innovative solutions earned them these awards, recognising their exceptional use of Cisco technology to boost customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Data#3 Chief Technology Officer, Graham Robinson, commented on the achievements: “We are honoured to receive these awards from Cisco. This double recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in delivering innovative modern workplace solutions that drive business and technology outcomes.”
“Our innovative solutions, combined with our unique lifecycle approach, ensures that our customers realise the business value of their collaboration investments. We look forward to continuing our incredible partnership with Cisco as we harness the power of people and technology for a better future.”
The nature of work has transformed across all industries. It’s no longer defined by location but by action, spanning from homes to global frontiers. Enabling secure, flexible connectivity and collaboration isn’t just advantageous—it’s a business imperative.
Data#3 has deep expertise in Cisco’s collaboration products and holds the highest certification in the region. It provides secure, high-quality implementation, integration, adoption, and ongoing support services, ensuring customers maximise the value they get from Cisco technology.
October 31, 2024; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce that it has been named Customer Experience Partner of the Year for APJC at Cisco Partner Summit 2024. Cisco Partner Awards recognise top-performing partners demonstrating service excellence and innovation in delivering solutions that help our customers succeed.
Data#3 Chief Customer Officer, John Tan, commented, “Winning this prestigious award for the second consecutive year reaffirms our customer-centric approach. In partnership with Cisco, we’re not just meeting expectations—we’re empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age, driving strategic transformation and innovation that ensures agility, security, and resilience.”
Data#3 National Manager for Annuity and Customer Success, Amanda Toogood, was delighted to accept the Cisco Customer Experience Partner of the Year for the second year running, “Receiving this award for the second consecutive year underscores our commitment to guiding customers through every stage of the technology lifecycle. Our approach ensures customers maximise their benefits from tech , and we’re eager to continue partnering with Cisco to shape the digital future.”
“The theme at Partner Summit 2024 is ‘Forward as One’ and winners of the Geo Awards are fantastic examples of how we partner to achieve shared success in various regions of the world”, said Kartika Prihadi, Vice President, APJC Partner Sales at Cisco. “I am pleased to recognise Data#3 as the winner of Customer Experience Partner of the Year 2024, further underscoring their outstanding accomplishments in APJC.”
Cisco Partner Summit Geo awards reflect the top-performing partners within specific technology markets across a geographical region. Award recipients are selected by a committee of executives representing Cisco’s Global and Regional Partner Sales Organisations.
October 17, 2024; Sydney, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Dell Technologies Solution Provider FY24 Australia Workforce Transformation Project Award.
This prestigious recognition highlights Data#3’s commitment to providing modern workplace solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the digital age. The award-winning project involved delivering a comprehensive modern workplace solution to a global conglomerate to redefine the workplace and drive positive change.
Data#3 Chief Customer Officer, John Tan, stated, ” We are thrilled to win this award. Companies are striving to become more digitised and they’re using technology to evolve their IT infrastructure, operations, and processes. The growth of AI-related infrastructure makes it crucial to manage the hardware lifecycle efficiently with a strong emphasis on reducing environmental impact.”
Data#3’s unique customer success lifecycle approach ensures a clear understanding of the outcomes a technology investment needs to deliver, and the design, installation, deployment and adoption processes which need to occur to get companies there.
“Our long-standing partnership and aligned strategies with Dell Technologies, combined with our expertise and customer success lifecycle approach, is key to ensuring our customers get the best outcomes. We look forward to working together to deliver the digital future for our customers.”
A Titanium Solutions Provider Partner with the largest number of technical certifications in Australia, Data#3 is uniquely positioned to provide end-to-end services that enable companies to optimise budgets and outcomes. Across the network, data centre, workplace and cloud, Data#3 helps companies maximise their IT by combining skilled resources with robust and secure technologies from across the Dell Technologies group.
