"We are open to all the models of desktops and servers available; we are basically just interested in what the market has to offer. This includes features such as server virtualization, an innovative technology that wasn't around nine years ago," Hipworth said.

"We are looking to consolidate 1000 servers and 10,000-plus desktops around the organization and are currently looking at options. There are a significant number of dependencies on projects, but the end of this financial year will see us make significant inroads into implementing the necessary foundations for these projects."

Although the CSIRO plans to simplify its computing environment, Hipworth said the agency still needs various flavors of Linux and open source.

Hipworth also has a number of network infrastructure projects under way and recently purchased three of Hitachi Data Systems' one-petabyte storage systems, which are about to be implemented in the states of New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.