Capgemini and Microsoft Plan to Offer Accelerated Cloud Services in 22 Countries: Dutch Police Adopt Windows Azure Solution Architected by Capgemini to Provide a Secure Roadmap for Innovation.(Company overview)

M2 PRESSWIRE-July 19, 2011-: Capgemini and Microsoft Plan to Offer Accelerated Cloud Services in 22 Countries: Dutch Police Adopt Windows Azure Solution Architected by Capgemini to Provide a Secure Roadmap for Innovation(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

RDATE:19072011

Paris, -- Capgemini Group, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, and Microsoft Corp. announce a global plan that will bring the expertise of Capgemini's consulting, technology and outsourcing services to help deploy customer solutions on the Windows Azure platform.

As part of the agreement, Capgemini will market and deliver services around Windows Azure , Microsoft's cloud platform, mobilizing Capgemini's full lifecycle capabilities in orchestrating, designing, developing and running cloud-based application services.

As a business priority for both firms, the joint plan will offer Windows Azure solutions across 22 countries with a first focus on the UK, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, France, Belgium and Brazil. There will be targeted market offers across sectors including financial services, the public sector and energy & utilities. The Windows Azure platform delivers highly cost-effective development and deployment options on a flexible platform that offers increased speed to market. The joint plan will also provide advice to businesses on how to develop a cohesive, enterprise-class cloud strategy, giving new alternatives to deal with legacy and M&A challenges. Capgemini will furthermore work with Microsoft as an ecosystem coordinator among software providers that have created solutions on the Windows Azure platform for specific markets.

" Capgemini already has a very strong alliance with Microsoft and this further strengthens our relationship. We have a long history of customer collaboration and deep sector specific expertise and Microsoft offers innovative solutions to meet customer needs in the quickly growing domain of the cloud. Together we are well positioned to deliver cloud services that will help customers keep ahead of the technology curve, while at the same time reducing costs, " said John Brahim, Capgemini's Application Services Europe Deputy CEO.

Capgemini and Microsoft will jointly invest in sales, technical training and various marketing activities. Together the firms have agreed to produce a future global study into the issues of data quality, security and sovereignty in the cloud. Capgemini will also: Train 1,500 architects and developers globally on the Windows Azure platform Develop a dedicated offshore center of expertise through building up the Windows Azure Center of Excellence in Mumbai, India Migrate selected solutions to the Windows Azure platform Actively drive ecosystems of third-party suppliers of Windows Azure-based solutions in targeted sectors

Joint customers including the Dutch police are already piloting the Windows Azure platform, backed with services by Capgemini.

"Our mutual customers will benefit from this joint plan with Capgemini to offer flexible cloud business solutions to customers through the Windows Azure platform," said Doug Hauger, General Manager for Windows Azure at Microsoft. "The Windows Azure platform minimizes the need for infrastructure investments. Applications developed on Windows Azure can be deployed rapidly with the reliability and security that's essential for the enterprise. Microsoft is committed to continued investment in cloud solutions, and will work with Capgemini to facilitate the deployment of cloud solutions for customers around the world."

Mr. Willem Broer, Program Director VPK, from the Dutch Police: " Police officers identified a gap between police legacy systems and the growing trend for app stores and cloud computing. To counter this, we wanted to transition to a cloud-based model for better information sharing, both internally and externally. Capgemini has been our partner for designing the architectural framework (both long and short term solutions) in order to decide upon a roadmap for innovation. To connect our legacy systems with new web parts, Microsoft's Windows Azure was a trusted choice for our technology management program. The program, called 'Virtual Police Service' (VPS), is aimed at a new style of policing, making use of the latest tools for analyzing data and apps for supporting daily routine. Policemen can use mobile devices to facilitate knowledge sharing and practical communication via private and public networks. The Internet portal is currently being piloted among police, safety professionals and civilians in order to support a multi-agency approach. Because safety is an issue for the whole society an important part is the introduction of citizen support tools, so citizens can use apps to help the government in controlling and combating organized crime. "

About Capgemini

With 112,000 people in 40 countries, Capgemini is one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services. The Group reported 2010 global revenues of EUR 8.7 billion.

Together with its clients, Capgemini creates and delivers business and technology solutions that fit their needs and drive the results they want.

A deeply multicultural organization, Capgemini has developed its own way of working, the Collaborative Business Experience , and draws on Rightshore , its worldwide delivery model.

Learn more about us at www.capgemini.com .

Rightshore (r) is a trademark belonging to Capgemini.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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