Equifax is in the early stage of a multi-year, A$2 billion digital transformation - the largest investment in the company’s history. Our migration to the cloud and the modernisation of our processes, technology and infrastructure is already providing powerful new data insights and added security to customers at record speed. When our large-scale renewal shifts to ongoing iteration, we will be well placed to deliver greater system reliability, speed, improved insights and user experiences. It’s ushering in a new era for Equifax. 

So, why the sudden need to modernise? 

Until recently, Equifax grappled with the typical technology challenges that all industries face: a labyrinth of IT systems and data exchanges built independently which, while robust, were difficult to sync together and upgrade. Technology was powered by costly on-premise data centres. The price of innovation was steep, and the opportunity cost high. The Technology team at Equifax knew something had to change.

Peter Tyrell, Chief Technology Officer A/NZ, Equifax said: “It became clear that the best way for us to achieve that goal was to do a complete cloud-native rebuild… really go all in.”  

While most companies’ cloud efforts consist of lifting and shifting applications to the cloud, the Equifax migration is focused on “cloud native.” What this means is that all applications are being designed and coded for use in the cloud, ensuring their maximum potential and enabling continuous improvement. Being cloud native enables Equifax to transform our entire business. Teams can deliver unique products and services that are only possible in a cloud environment. And we can connect, evolve and scale those products at an unprecedented pace.

A key advantage of the Equifax cloud native transformation is that it removes technical barriers between data sets, allowing customers to combine data in new ways and unlock novel insights. Data silos that were previously disconnected are now all organised into a seamless, globally-distributed Data Fabric -- with logical separation and governing rules ensuring airtight controls over privacy and compliance. The end result gives the teams at Equifax unmatched flexibility: the ability to innovate more quickly, at a lower cost, while still being able to adapt to changing regulations and security needs across disparate markets.

“The end result will be that we’ll be able to deliver new products in weeks rather than months and years,” said Tyrell.

Equifax’s digital transformation also features virtual streaming of data and insights. This will help our customers make real-time decisions, solve complex business, and deliver the insights they need in milliseconds. And, all of this is backed by industry-leading data security.

“Our teams across Australia and New Zealand will have the ability to explore new, innovative ideas that wouldn’t have been possible before our transformation,” said Tyrell. “This architecture allows us to easily pivot, adapt, and innovate. We are building a new Equifax.”

Interested in learning more? Contact Equifax here or check out a Q&A with Equifax Global Chief Technology Officer Bryson Koehler.