Etihad Airways inks US$700 m deal with IBM
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Etihad Airways has recently partnered with IBM in a 10-year technology services agreement.
The deal is worth approximately US$700 million. This agreement allows the airline to enhance guest experience, infrastructure and security, and improve efficiency.
The transformational agreement will provide access to cloud-based technologies and services for the airline, its group companies and equity partners. IBM will deliver a range of efficient technology services, allowing the airline and its partners to transform their IT infrastructure into global, flexible and agile cloud-based platforms.
The agreement includes plans for creation of a new cloud data centre in Abu Dhabi. The centre, to be developed and operated by IBM, will offer high-end technology facilities in the Middle East.
Through IBM’s mobile solutions, developed under the Apple-IBM alliance, the airline will provide enhanced mobile capabilities to employees and guests. The agreement will also give the airline and its equity partners access to IBM’s Watson cognitive technology.
IBM and Etihad Airways will also create a joint technology and innovation council in Abu Dhabi to develop personalised travel solutions. The council will focus on value creation and technological innovation.
Robert Webb, Etihad Airways’ chief information and technology officer, said: “This agreement will bring us a global IT delivery platform that is secure, resilient and future-ready for Etihad Airways ‘ companies and equity partner airlines. We are confident that this collaboration will ultimately enhance guest experience and reinforce our competitive position.”
Etihad Airways’ current data centre, IT infrastructure, applications and security operations will be migrated to the new data centre in Abu Dhabi, and disaster recovery will be managed at an IBM Cloud data centre in Europe. As part of the agreement, around 100 Etihad Airways information technology employees will transition to IBM, where they will have access to further IT skills development opportunities. IBM will manage the entire data centre operation, including individual infrastructure services and IT helpdesk for Etihad Airways.
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