This move supports a broader trend in digital infrastructure where organisations are turning to local hosting to meet regulatory requirements and minimise cybersecurity threats.
With AI technologies fuelling the need for faster processing and increased data storage, Docusign is investing in local servers. These new facilities, based in Victoria and New South Wales, are scheduled for completion by the end of the year and will be integrated with Microsoft's cloud platform. The local data centres are expected to reduce latency and improve digital performance.
Although modest by global tech investment standards, this local expansion marks a strategic shift for Docusign. As computing costs have decreased significantly - data processing is now up to 100 times cheaper compared to two years ago - the company is positioning itself to remain competitive as AI becomes more widely adopted. This includes rolling out new AI-powered contract tools designed for the Australian market.
The initiative carries broader implications. Government agencies are increasingly requiring that data be stored within national borders. Docusign aims to strengthen its appeal to heavily regulated industries and public sector clients through the establishment of local infrastructure. While this does not match the scale of major tech firms' multi-billion dollar investments, it highlights Australia's expanding role in the global cloud ecosystem.