Microsoft has secured a landmark $9.7 billion, five-year deal with Australian cloud service provider IREN to purchase AI cloud capacity, marking Microsoft’s largest-ever external computing power procurement. This agreement grants Microsoft access to IREN’s AI accelerator systems based on NVIDIA’s advanced GB300 GPU architecture, housed in Texas, to support its rapidly growing AI workloads, particularly for its Azure cloud platform and OpenAI partnership[1][2][4].
        
            Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will pay 20% upf...
        
        Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will pay 20% upfront, while IREN has concurrently committed to buying $5.8 billion worth of GPU hardware and related equipment from Dell Technologies to build an ultra-large computing center in Texas. This deal is expected to generate approximately $1.94 billion in annual revenue for IREN once fully implemented and will utilize about 10% of IREN’s total cloud capacity, leaving room for other contracts[1][2][4].
      
        
            The deal highlights Microsoft’s urgent need to address a cri...
        
        The deal highlights Microsoft’s urgent need to address a critical shortage of AI computing power amid soaring demand for its cloud and AI services. Microsoft’s recent earnings report underscored the pressure on its data center capacity, making partnerships like this essential to meet customer needs and maintain competitive edge in AI infrastructure[1][4].
      
        
            IREN, based in Sydney, is part of a new generation of “neocl...
        
        IREN, based in Sydney, is part of a new generation of “neocloud” providers specializing in AI-optimized data centers. Originally emerging from Bitcoin mining operations, companies like IREN have diversified into AI infrastructure to cater to hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Meta, and AI developers including OpenAI. IREN’s CEO Daniel Roberts emphasized strong interest in large-scale AI infrastructure deployment and strategic partnerships with major hyperscalers[2][4].
      
        
            This agreement reflects broader trends as tech giants aggres...
        
        This agreement reflects broader trends as tech giants aggressively expand their AI cloud capacity globally. In parallel, Microsoft recently announced a separate A$5 billion investment to enhance its hyperscale cloud and AI infrastructure within Australia itself, including expanding data center sites and establishing a Microsoft Datacentre Academy to build local AI and cloud skills[5].
      
        
            The $9.7 billion deal positions Microsoft to better handle t...
        
        The $9.7 billion deal positions Microsoft to better handle the exploding computational demands of AI technologies while bolstering the rise of innovative cloud infrastructure providers like IREN, who are becoming key players in the competitive AI cloud market[1][2][3][4]. Following the announcement, IREN’s stock surged nearly 30%, and Dell Technologies’ shares rose over 5%, reflecting investor confidence in the expanding AI cloud ecosystem[1][2].
      
        
            In summary, Microsoft’s multi-billion-dollar contract with I...
        
        In summary, Microsoft’s multi-billion-dollar contract with IREN marks a pivotal moment in the AI cloud capacity race, securing vital GPU resources needed to power next-generation AI workloads and signaling the growing importance of specialized AI cloud providers in the global technology landscape.
      
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 2:20:59 PM
          
          Microsoft has secured a $9.7 billion, five-year AI cloud capacity deal with Australian firm IREN, marking its largest external computing power procurement to date[2][3]. The agreement grants Microsoft access to AI accelerator systems built on Nvidia's GB300 GPUs, hosted in Texas, with IREN purchasing $5.8 billion of GPUs and related equipment from Dell Technologies to build this capacity[2][3]. IREN CEO Daniel Roberts highlighted that Microsoft will use about 10% of IREN's total infrastructure, which is expected to generate $1.94 billion in annual revenue once fully operational[3].
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 2:30:59 PM
          
          Microsoft and Australian data center firm IREN have just finalized a $9.7 billion, five-year deal to significantly expand Microsoft’s AI cloud infrastructure, with IREN providing access to Nvidia’s latest GB300 GPUs installed at its Texas facility[1][3]. While the Australian government has not issued an immediate regulatory statement on this specific deal, it comes amid an ongoing national consultation on AI regulation and follows Microsoft’s recent A$5 billion local investment—the largest in its 40-year Australian history—to grow hyperscale cloud and AI infrastructure, train 300,000 Australians in digital skills, and launch a new cybersecurity partnership with the Australian Signals Directorate[6]. In response to broader tech investments, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 2:41:06 PM
          
          Microsoft's $9.7 billion, five-year AI cloud capacity deal with Australian provider IREN marks a key strategic move to address its urgent computing power shortages, using NVIDIA GB300 accelerator systems in Texas. Industry experts highlight this as a major endorsement of emerging 'next-gen cloud' providers; IREN CEO Daniel Roberts noted the deal will generate about $1.94 billion annually and sees hyperscalers as "natural partners" amid soaring AI demand[1][3]. Analysts emphasize how such partnerships are critical for Microsoft to sustain growth in Azure and OpenAI workloads amid intense data center capacity pressures[1][3].
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 2:51:05 PM
          
          Microsoft's $9.7 billion, five-year AI cloud capacity deal with Australian firm IREN marks a significant global milestone as it fuels the international AI infrastructure race, leveraging NVIDIA GB300 GPUs to support Microsoft’s Azure and AI initiatives in Texas. This deal not only underscores the escalating global demand for AI computing power but also elevates IREN as a rising 'neocloud' provider, sparking a nearly 30% surge in its stock price and signaling growing investor confidence worldwide. IREN CEO Daniel Roberts highlighted the expanding partnership trend with major hyperscalers, emphasizing the deal’s expected $1.94 billion annualized revenue and positioning Australia as a key player in global AI cloud capacity[1][2][3].
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 3:01:09 PM
          
          Following Microsoft's announcement of a $9.7 billion, five-year AI cloud capacity deal with Australia's IREN, IREN's pre-market stock price surged nearly 30%, while Dell Technologies' shares rose over 5% due to their $5.8 billion GPU equipment supply agreement with IREN[1]. This market reaction reflects investors' optimism about the significant boost in AI infrastructure demand and the emergence of new cloud service providers. Microsoft's move to secure vast external computing power comes amid strong pressure to meet surging Azure cloud and OpenAI workloads, influencing positive market sentiment around all parties involved[1][2].
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 3:11:10 PM
          
          Microsoft has secured a landmark $9.7 billion, five-year AI cloud capacity deal with Australia’s IREN, gaining access to NVIDIA GB300-based accelerator systems in Texas—marking the largest external computing power procurement in its history. The agreement, which includes a 20% upfront payment and is expected to generate $1.94 billion annually for IREN, has triggered a nearly 30% surge in IREN’s pre-market stock and boosted Dell’s shares by over 5% as global investors react to the rapid expansion of next-gen AI infrastructure partnerships. Industry analysts say the deal signals a shift in global cloud dynamics, with new providers like IREN emerging as key players amid soaring demand from tech giants.
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 3:21:13 PM
          
          **Breaking News Update: Microsoft Shakes Up AI Cloud Race with $9.7B IREN Deal**  
Microsoft has just signed a landmark $9.7 billion, five-year agreement with Australian firm IREN for AI cloud capacity—its largest-ever external computing power procurement—marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape as tech giants scramble for scarce AI infrastructure[1][2]. IREN, a rising “neocloud” provider, will use NVIDIA’s GB300 accelerator systems in Texas to supply Microsoft with advanced AI computing, while purchasing $5.8 billion in GPUs and equipment from Dell, indicating a major bet by IREN to become a top infrastructure partner for hyperscalers[1][2]. “We’ve
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 3:31:06 PM
          
          Microsoft's $9.7 billion AI cloud capacity deal with Australian firm IREN has drawn expert attention as a strategic response to escalating AI computing demands. IREN CEO Daniel Roberts emphasized the partnership's significance, noting it will generate about $1.94 billion annually and utilize around 10% of IREN's total capacity, signaling room for further growth among emerging "neocloud" providers specializing in AI infrastructure[2][4]. Industry analysts highlight the deal as a reflection of Microsoft's urgent need to overcome data center bottlenecks amid surging Azure and OpenAI workloads, with IREN's acquisition of $5.8 billion in GPUs from Dell underscoring the scale and technological focus on NVIDIA’s GB300 architecture[1][
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 3:41:16 PM
          
          The Australian government has not issued any specific public regulatory comments directly tied to Microsoft's $9.7 billion AI cloud capacity deal with IREN as of November 3, 2025. However, broader AI regulatory considerations are intensifying in Australia, with Microsoft simultaneously preparing to invest $3.2 billion locally amid looming AI regulations, indicating proactive engagement with government frameworks[6]. No concrete regulatory approvals, restrictions, or quotes from officials on this particular IREN contract have been reported in the current disclosures[1][2][3].
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 3:51:11 PM
          
          Consumer and public reaction to Microsoft's $9.7 billion AI cloud capacity deal with Australian firm IREN has been notably positive within the financial markets and industry observers. IREN's shares surged over 28% in pre-market US trading following the announcement, reflecting strong investor confidence in the deal's potential, while Dell's stock also rose about 4% as a key equipment supplier[2]. IREN CEO Daniel Roberts highlighted the strategic partnership, stating, "We've always viewed the major hyperscalers as natural partners," emphasizing growing demand and capabilities in AI cloud infrastructure[2]. Public commentary on Microsoft's side was more muted, with the company’s stock little changed despite the scale of the investment[2].
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 4:01:20 PM
          
          Microsoft has secured a $9.7 billion, five-year AI cloud capacity deal with Australian cloud provider IREN, granting access to NVIDIA’s advanced GB300 accelerator systems housed in Texas to support its expanding AI workloads[1][2][9]. This agreement includes a $5.8 billion purchase by IREN from Dell for GPUs and related equipment and represents Microsoft's largest-ever external computing power procurement, addressing significant AI infrastructure bottlenecks amid soaring Azure and OpenAI demand[1][3][5]. Jonathan Tinter, Microsoft’s president of business development, highlighted IREN’s fully integrated AI cloud expertise and secured power capacity as strategic assets unlocking new growth opportunities for both firms[3][5].
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 4:11:25 PM
          
          Microsoft has finalized a $9.7 billion, five-year deal with Australian firm IREN to secure AI cloud capacity using Nvidia’s GB300 GPU architecture at IREN’s Texas facility, making Microsoft IREN’s largest customer[1][3][4]. The agreement includes a 20% prepayment and involves IREN purchasing $5.8 billion worth of GPUs and related equipment from Dell Technologies, with the deal expected to generate about $1.94 billion in annual revenue for IREN[1][3][4]. IREN CEO Daniel Roberts highlighted that the contract uses roughly 10% of IREN’s total capacity, leaving room for further contracts, and noted accelerating discussions with hyperscalers as AI compute demand soars[1][3
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 4:21:16 PM
          
          Microsoft has secured a $9.7 billion, five-year cloud services contract with Australian AI cloud provider IREN to gain access to Nvidia’s GB300 accelerator systems for AI workloads, with a 20% upfront payment included. IREN will purchase $5.8 billion worth of GPUs and related equipment from Dell Technologies to deploy this infrastructure at its Childress, Texas campus, expecting the deal to generate about $1.94 billion annually and use roughly 10% of IREN’s total capacity[1][2][3][7]. Jonathan Tinter, Microsoft’s president of business development, called IREN a “strategic partner,” highlighting the collaboration as unlocking new growth opportunities amid Microsoft’s expanding AI cloud demand[1][5].
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 4:31:18 PM
          
          Microsoft’s $9.7 billion, five-year AI cloud deal with Australian firm IREN—announced Monday, Nov. 3—sent IREN’s US-listed shares surging nearly 30% in pre-market trading, with Dell Technologies, which is supplying $5.8 billion in GPUs for the project, seeing its stock rise over 4% on the news[1][2]. IREN CEO Daniel Roberts stated the agreement is expected to generate about $1.94 billion in annualized revenue once fully implemented and will utilize roughly 10% of the company’s total capacity, leaving significant room for additional contracts[2][3]. Microsoft’s shares were little changed following the announcement, as the tech giant
      
 
          
              🔄 Updated: 11/3/2025, 4:41:15 PM
          
          Microsoft’s $9.7 billion, five-year AI cloud capacity deal with Australian firm IREN marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape by propelling new cloud providers like IREN into prominence alongside traditional hyperscalers. The agreement, which secures access to Nvidia's GB300 GPUs at IREN’s 750-megawatt Texas facility, addresses Microsoft’s urgent need to overcome AI compute bottlenecks amid soaring Azure demand and signals intensified competition for cutting-edge AI infrastructure[1][2][4][6]. IREN CEO Daniel Roberts noted the deal utilizes just 10% of their total capacity, highlighting room for further growth and collaborations, while Microsoft’s aggressive external procurement underscores heightened market pressures to secure advanced GPU resources[4].