John Paul College’s journey to digital excellence

John Paul College, a school in South East Queensland, recently conducted a comprehensive review to better understand the needs of its staff and students. The findings highlighted a need for enhanced digital capabilities, world-facing cameras for STEM, and increased computing power to support new learning streams.

In partnership with Data#3, John Paul College utilised Data#3’s Device as a Service to equip the school with the multi-feature HP ProBook, specifically designed to support its growing curriculum requirements. The integration of this new technology into classrooms has since enabled students at John Paul College to work more efficiently and fully embrace the digital classroom.

“By adopting the latest HP devices, we are ensuring that our students and staff have access to the best tools available, supporting our goal of being a leader in digital learning and innovation,” said Nicholas Burton, Network and Systems Manager at John Paul College.

In this video, discover how John Paul College has incorporated multi-feature HP devices and Microsoft Intune to empower and enhance student learning.

Are you ready to enhance learning and unlock the full potential of your students?

With over three decades of expertise in the Education industry, Data#3 is well equipped to provide educational clients with the tools they need for success, offering a range of cutting-edge technology services and solutions that enhance and empower classroom learning. Through this approach, Data#3 enables schools to create a modern, flexible, and secure digital classroom that fosters greater engagement, productivity, and innovation in the learning process.

Graham Robinson, Chief Technology Officer at Data#3, and Carl Solder, Chief Technology Officer at Cisco ANZ, discuss the role of AI in technology, its challenges, and its future potential.

Watch the video in full or jump ahead to the questions linked below.

Is AI just another solution looking for a problem?

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Graham: Carl, there’s a lot of talk about AI. Many people say it’s at the top of the Gartner hype cycle. There’s a growing number of people now thinking that AI is going to plummet into that trough of disillusionment and it’s going to be years until we actually see any real value from the technology. What are your thoughts?

Carl: We’ll eventually reach a point where AI will address and solve many of the challenges customers are facing today. With the advent of current technologies like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Chord, many people are exploring how to integrate these tools into business operations.

That said, let’s not forget that AI itself is not new. From Cisco’s perspective, we’ve been developing AI for over a decade. In fact, our first AI toolset was launched nearly seven years ago. Cisco has been on this AI journey for quite some time, consistently focusing on how to leverage AI effectively to address customer use cases. I believe we have some fantastic technology solutions available today that are already achieving this.

The release of ChatGPT brought AI to the forefront of public awareness. It essentially announced to the masses that AI is here. However, it’s important to recognise that a broader foundation of AI technologies has been around for a while. These mature solutions are already solving real business problems and are ready for organisations to take advantage of right now.

Why are generative AI projects seeing better success rates compared to other tech initiatives?

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Graham: When you read the Harvard Business Review, they highlight that 80% of AI projects fail, but only 30% of generative AI projects fail, that means 70% of generative AI projects are not being cancelled and are proceeding through to production. Compared to the stats on digital transformation projects where only 12% succeeded – that’s a huge improvement. AI initiatives are performing multiples better then digital transformation projects. So, I fail to see how we can really say that there’s no value when we’re already seeing progress.

Carl: I agree. On the AI front, there’s generative AI, but we also need to consider how customers are consuming AI. You have the toolsets—like generative AI with chat-style interfaces where you type, interact, and drive workflows. But there’s also generative AI embedded within existing solutions. Often, customers don’t even realise it’s there, yet it’s quietly doing its job and delivering value behind the scenes. That’s where Cisco has been focusing for years. Many of our solutions already have AI built in, operating in the background. Customers may not always notice, but that embedded AI is making a difference.

Where is the true value of AI adoption today?

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Graham: The real value of AI adoption lies in moving beyond the hype and turning AI into something that delivers tangible, meaningful outcomes. It’s not about the flashy, in-your-face AI like ChatGPT—it’s about the AI that works quietly in the background, embedded within code and applications, where people use it without even realising they’re engaging with AI.

Carl: Correct. A classic example is the AI-powered radio resource management in the Cisco Meraki dashboard. Imagine a customer with a Meraki Wi-Fi network—there’s an AI engine running in the background, analysing user behaviour, network settings, and configurations. It optimises and fine-tunes the network to deliver a better Wi-Fi experience. Users benefit from this improved performance without necessarily realising AI is at work. It’s seamless, purpose-driven, and delivers clear outcomes.

This kind of embedded AI is something we’ve been leveraging for years. While you could debate whether it qualifies as generative AI, it’s still AI, serving a critical function. Now, with generative AI, we’re seeing entirely new possibilities, like virtual AI systems powered by large language models. These systems represent a shift in how operators interact with infrastructure. Instead of navigating a GUI and clicking buttons, operators can type commands and engage in a conversational workflow.

For example, a security operator could use such a system to craft an optimised security policy. The AI could analyse existing rule sets, identify redundancies, and consolidate rules to make the policy leaner and more efficient. These types of use cases highlight how generative AI can enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and ultimately drive better outcomes for organisations.

There’s also generative AI embedded within existing solutions. Often, customers don’t even realise it’s there, yet it’s quietly doing its job and delivering value behind the scenes.

Carl SolderCTO A/NZ, Cisco

Does AI pose more risks than it solves?

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Graham: AI helps solve a lot of problems, but it raises the question: is it more trouble than it’s worth? One of the most common concerns I hear revolves around the potential threats associated with AI—security risks, overexposure to technology, and fears about AI being used against us. What’s your perspective on AI’s impact on security?

Carl: From our standpoint AI serves as the foundation for how we’re evolving our security portfolio. AI appears in a number of different ways. First, on the backend, every security device needs up-to-date information to identify and respond to current threats. We have an organisation within Cisco actively scouring the internet tracking billions of artifacts daily—emails, file attachments, web links—all in search of emerging threats.

It’s impossible for humans alone to sift through that volume of data, so AI steps in to scale the process. AI analyses those artifacts, identifies new threat vectors, and creates signatures to inform our security solutions. For example, when a solution encounters a flagged instance, it knows to pay closer attention.

AI also works within the technology itself, embedding functions that serve specific purposes. For instance, an AI system might monitor for potential threat signatures and alert SecOps teams when something warrants further investigation.

Beyond these applications, we’re also seeing AI, particularly large language models, redefine how operators interact with networks. This represents a new paradigm—operators moving from GUIs to conversational interfaces powered by AI. This shift is going to be driving a really different way in which operators are going to be doing the job.

How is the rapid pace of AI evolution impacting IT skills?

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Graham: We’ve been in the industry long enough to witness major technology disruptions – the evolution of the PC, the internet and cloud. Each wave has brought significant reskilling. With the rapid acceleration of AI, how do you see this impacting the current skills gap? Do you think AI will exacerbate the issue, or can it be leveraged to help close the gap?

Carl: First thing I’d say is that we’ve both chosen a career where you never stop learning. You take a break, you come back and oh that’s something new that didn’t exist before. The mere fact of being in IT means that you’re going to be on this continuous learning journey because technology is always changing. I see the advancement of technology picking up pace and the generation of new IT practitioners today have got it a little bit tougher than maybe when I started.

Graham: I used to say the only thing constant is change but even the rate of change is no longer constant – it’s accelerating.

Carl: Absolutely, and that means IT careers are inherently built around continuous learning. AI is just another evolution, another chapter in that journey. That said, AI does change the game in terms of how operators will work with infrastructure that they manage.

When I look back, I see an evolution in IT operations. From the traditional NetOps – when I started everything was CLI (Command Line Interface), beautiful CLI! We went through this motion of DevOps where we started using software defined networking tool sets to automate. We also went through this with AIOps a few years ago where we had AI engines embedded in the solutions to enhance operations and streamline specific tasks. Now we’re moving into this era of large language model operations. Instead of just running scripts or using GUIs, operators can now use natural language to implement workflows, troubleshoot, or optimise systems. This shift not only demands new skills but also offers tools to bridge gaps, making IT professionals more efficient in managing modern infrastructure.

Graham: Every period of technological advancement is getting shorter. What does it mean for our people today because technology has accelerated out of the gate over the last five years. There’s also been a number of things happening around the world that have stopped us from upskilling them cross-skilling our people at the same pace. It feels like the gap between technological advancement and education is widening. What role does AI play in addressing that gap?

Carl: When you look at the AI solutions in Cisco’s portfolio today, most IT professionals will find them relatively easy to adopt. For instance, many people have already used tools like ChatGPT, and we’re starting to see similar interfaces integrated into administration panels now. It becomes intuitive, but there will definitely be a learning curve, especially in understanding how to frame questions or commands to leverage AI’s full potential.

The one area that Australia will get to at some point is when you actually build and run your own custom AI workload tailored to your specific business needs. What’s exciting is these tools have the potential to help all employees perform their roles more effectively. It’s not just an IT transformation; it’s a workplace evolution where AI becomes a ubiquitous tool for problem-solving and productivity across all functions.

What role does custom AI play in the future of business operations

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Graham: When you mention a custom AI workload, you’re referring to a specific application tailored for that customers’ needs. One that would probably be leveraging a third-party large language model or small language model or micro language model to perform a business function. We’re not just talking about the data centre. This extends to edge computing, specific devices, even down to mobile devices. Is that what you’re thinking?

Carl: Absolutely. In Cisco’s portfolio right now, we have an AI chat bot in our contact centre. This chatbot, powered by a large language model, enables true conversational interactions. If you think back a few years, chatbots were rigid, relying heavily on syntax and specific keywords to function. If you didn’t phrase something exactly right, they simply didn’t work.

But now, these chatbots can handle fluid, natural conversations, hugely improving the user experience. It’s not just a better customer interaction, it’s a transformative leap in how businesses engage with their users.

This also extends to IT practitioners. It’s a new world that our operators are starting to go into. Whether it’s automating routine tasks or assisting in daily workflows, these AI-driven systems are opening up new opportunities for efficiency and innovation in business operations.

AI – Are we heading to utopia or dystopia?

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Graham: Final question because I know we’re well and truly out of time that I could sit here and we have this conversation all afternoon. AI – Are we heading to utopia or dystopia?

Carl: I am a glass half full person, so I’m hoping it’s utopia. Within Cisco we have a group of engineers dedicated to ethics and how we can use AI in an ethical way. I’m optimistic that our engineering teams build AI tool sets that are going to serve mankind in a better way. That they’re going to produce better outcomes for businesses. They’re going to drive better productivity. better profitability, a better customer experience. That’s my hope for this.

That being said there’s always the darker side of human nature who might look to use those tool sets in in a bad way and I don’t think that we can avoid that. The only thing we can do is to continue to build out this technology to help mitigate those threats.

Graham: I share that hope. Going back to our conversation regarding security we know there are malicious actors out there. My hope is that AI for the first time really gives us an opportunity to harness the good in people and scale it to a level that we can actually provide a better future.

Within Cisco we have a group of engineers dedicated to ethics and how we can use AI in an ethical way.

Carl SolderCTO A/NZ Cisco

Data#3 and Cisco

Data#3 is a Cisco Gold Partner dedicated to helping organisations build secure, connected, and future-ready operations. As a Master Security Specialised, Master Collaboration Specialised, and Master Networking Specialised partner, Data#3 combines deep expertise with Cisco’s leading technologies to deliver tailored solutions. Recognised as Cisco’s APJC Customer Experience Partner of the Year for two consecutive years, we are committed to driving exceptional outcomes for our customers. Learn more at www.data3.com/cisco.

What’s next for cyber security?

In this AI edition of our Security Minutes series, Richard Dornhart, Data#3’s Security Practice Manager, sits down with Carl Solder, Cisco’s Chief Technology Officer A/NZ, to discuss the impact of AI in cyber security—from Cisco’s latest AI-powered solutions to the challenges posed by adversarial AI.

As a Cisco Master Security Specialised Partner and Gold Partner, Data#3 has one of Australia’s most mature and highly accredited security teams. You can trust our expert team to help you navigate the challenges faced today around how to connect and protect your network. 

To discuss any aspect of security in your environment, please get in touch with us today.

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At Kingsway Christian College, empowering students with the skills to excel in a digital world is a top priority. Enter Adobe Creative Suite, a set of industry-leading tools that help students create captivating images, graphics, presentations, videos, and digital experiences. Through Adobe Creative Suite, students can unleash their creativity, build essential technical skills, and prepare for success in an increasingly digital landscape.

“What’s really great is that you have multiple ways of getting to the same place. The way I do it is different from the students. When the students are excited about what they are doing, you’re going to get the best out of them,” said Lauren Clark, Teacher, Kingsway Christian College.

In this video, discover how Kingsway Christian College is empowering students to harness the power of Adobe Creative Suite to unlock their potential in modern media.

Are you ready to empower your school with Adobe Creative Suite?

As a Platinum Adobe Partner, Data#3 has extensive experience helping customers select and implement Adobe’s leading digital solutions. Let’s talk about how to:

Discover how XDR enhances threat detection and response

In these four episodes, Richard Dornhart, National Practice Manager – Security at Data#3, joins David Robbins, Director, APJC – Cyber Security Strategic Partnerships at Cisco, to tackle the four most common questions we hear about Extended Detection and Response (XDR).

As a Cisco Gold Partner, 2023 Security SMB Partner of the Year, and 2023 Cisco Customer Experience Partner of the Year APJC, Data#3 is ideally placed to help you answer these questions and guide you on the best way to implement XDR in your environment. Please reach out to your account manager or contact our team for more information.

A deep dive into the Data#3 and SecurityHQ Partnership

In this 5-part video series, join Feras Tappuni, CEO of SecurityHQ, and Richard Dornhart, Data#3 National Security Practice Manager as they explore the Data#3 and SecurityHQ partnership.

Discover the journey of SecurityHQ in Australia, from its history and investments to its evolution and future in the managed security landscape. Gain insights into the future of cyber security, managed cyber defence, and global trends shaping the industry.

Data#3’s Managed Cyber Security Services deliver relentless protection. We swiftly identify and mitigate security incidents around the clock, with 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and response. Data#3 has one of the most mature and highly accredited security teams in Australia. By leveraging our expert cyber security specialists and trusted partner SecurityHQ, our team deliver unparalleled visibility and protection against cyber threats.

To discuss your managed security solution, please get in touch with us today.

July 26, 2024; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce that it has been inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.

Data#3 accepted the Inductee Trophy at a dinner held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The trophy was presented by The Honourable Grace Grace MP in recognition of the company’s continued excellence and outstanding innovation in providing technology solutions and services throughout Australia.

Data#3 CEO and Managing Director, Brad Colledge, accepted the honour on stage at the event, and said, “From humble beginnings, Data#3 has risen to become Australia’s leading technology services and solutions company. To be inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame is a great achievement that we are very proud of. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey thus far.”

The company’s history dates back to 1977, where in a garage in the suburbs of Brisbane, Terry Powell and Graham Clark started a new IT application software business. In 1984 Powell, Clark and Associates merged with Allbrand Typewriters & Office Machines Pty Ltd. to create Data#3 Limited. 

“Data#3 has a unique heritage and culture that enables our customers to succeed. We have navigated the rapidly changing landscape, constantly evolving our solutions and services to solve complex business challenges through innovative technology solutions.”

In December 1997, Data#3 floated on the ASX with a market capitalisation of $15 million. Today, it is approximately $1.28 billion, and the team has grown to over 1,400 staff across 14 locations. Data#3 was also listed on the ASX 200 in 2023.

“As a trusted brand, our history and longevity set us apart, showcasing our continued stability and success in an ever-evolving industry. As we advance into the next AI era, we look forward to collaborating with our customers, partners, shareholders, and community to harness the power of people and technology for a better future,” concluded Colledge.

Understanding the limitations of built-in app monitoring tools

In this four-part video series, Chris Day, Data#3 Principal Consultant, joins Heath Russell, ThousandEyes Channel Technical Solutions Architect at Cisco, to explore the limitations of built-in application monitoring tools and discuss how Cisco Thousandeyes provides visibility beyond the cloud.

As a Cisco Gold Partner and Cisco Master Networking Specialised Partner, Data#3 can help you take your network into the future.

Experience firsthand how Cisco ThousandEyes can provide clear, actionable insights into your network’s health. Contact our team of specialists today to request a demo or free trial.

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July 3, 2024; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce that it has named its national charity partner for FY25 as SolarBuddy, an impact organisation that unites a global community to illuminate the futures of all children. 

Data#3 will work with SolarBuddy to provide opportunities for children living in energy poverty through building and gifting portable solar devices and educating people on how they can be an agent for change, so together, they can end extreme energy poverty by 2030.

Data#3 Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Brad Colledge, commented, “We’re extremely proud and excited to announce SolarBuddy as our new national charity partner. As part of our SOUL Program, which encourages developing links with community organisations and channels our efforts to create a real and lasting effect, we’ve made the strategic decision to focus our efforts on a single national charity, allowing us to maximise our impact.

“SolarBuddy aligns closely with our vision, to harness the power of people and technology for a better future. Together, Data#3 and SolarBuddy will create lasting change and empower future generations and we can’t wait to get started.”

Energy poverty affects nearly 10% of the world’s population and occurs when a person has little or no access to energy. This means that roughly 789 million people across the world don’t have access to safe, reliable and affordable energy.

SolarBuddy aims to combat the negative impacts of energy poverty by providing safe and reliable energy solutions. Lack of access to energy affects children’s education, people’s health, and can contribute to financial hardship. To address these challenges, SolarBuddy creates mini-portable solar lights for distribution to families living in energy poverty, ensuring affordable, sustainable, and modern energy access.

Data#3 Chief People Officer, Tash Macknish, commented, “The environment is something which we are all impacted by equally, and that’s one of the reasons we selected SolarBuddy as our national charity partner. SolarBuddy’s mission also aligns closely with our vision, mission, core values and our sustainability priorities and goals – they are the perfect fit.  

“The Data#3 workforce is passionate about the role we play in the wider community. Supporting key local, national, and international charities, and promoting volunteering activities, has always been a part of our culture. Having seen first-hand the great work SolarBuddy is doing in our communities, I am confident that this is going to be a successful and fulfilling partnership.” 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) depended on disparate data sources and wanted to integrate aircraft, patient, and crew data to provide a clear picture of availability. This integration was particularly essential for day-to-day operations to ensure they could provide the ‘finest care to the furthest corner.’

“The work we’re doing ensures that pilots, nurses, and doctors have the right information. Rather than a 000-dispatcher calling multiple places to find the right aircraft, we can tell them straight away. For example, we had a critically ill patient who needed to travel to Brisbane, and we could see that the closest crew was not the best match for the patient’s needs and could immediately locate the best option,” said Nick Warwick, Data Integration and Analytics Manager, Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section).

In this video, discover how RFDS utilised the power of Microsoft Power BI, Azure Functions, Power Apps, and Flow workflows to deliver digital transformation that helps save lives.

Are you ready to start your IT modernisation journey?

With more apps, devices and data than ever to navigate, you need a business partner that can guide and support you throughout your IT modernisation journey. Data#3 holds the highest level of partner accreditations across the Microsoft ecosystem. With expertise that extends from the network and the cloud, to the datacentre and workplace, you can rely on our expert team to guide and advise on the best technologies to meet the demands of the changing workplace.

Contact our team of specialist today to discover how you can transform your organisation with Data#3.