General Motors has awarded
AT&T a global networking contract worth
almost £526m to deliver next generation services.
The five-year contract is designed to enable GM to further
integrate its global resources.
In addition, GM named AT&T a strategic IT supplier, to
support its third-generation IT business model, which is designed
to ensure that GM’s IT suppliers are working as one around the
world.
In this role, AT&T will provide network-integration
management covering all aspects of GM’s worldwide
telecommunications infrastructure, including voice and data
applications and systems support.
As part of the agreement, AT&T will be responsible for
managing the performance of key regional telecommunications
providers around the world.
In addition, AT&T will continue to collaborate with GM's
Information Systems and Services organisation
to support its global business strategy.
The contract renews and expands an existing strategic global
relationship in which AT&T provides GM with a global virtual
private network, integrating GM locations around the world.
AT&T’s solution supports a full range of capabilities
including local, long distance, global voicemail, conferencing,
high speed internet access and telecommunications business
continuity services.
“AT&T’s networking expertise and global reach make it
uniquely qualified to meet the telecommunications needs of a
global, multinational company like ours,” said Ralph Szygenda,
General Motors group vice-president and chief information
officer.
“This agreement is a strategic step toward strengthening
telecommunications across our global enterprise. It ensures that we
have the basic infrastructure in place to give GM employees
anywhere in the world the ability to collaborate online in
real-time on engineering, manufacturing, design and supply-chain,"
said Szygenda.
General Motors says Web 2.0 will drive business change
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