BT engineers new digital network infrastructure for ABB
New network to deliver choice and flexibility and to create sustainable , resilient and secure core platform .
BT has announced it is working with ABB to elevate its internationally managed communications infrastructure to new levels of performance , choice and agility to support the company ’ s new operating model . It follows the signing of a new contract between the two companies .
The new contract builds on an existing agreement , signed in 2014 , under which BT consolidated and optimised the leading global technology company ’ s international communications infrastructure . Working with ABB ’ s Information Systems team , BT will now transform the network infrastructure to create a sustainable , resilient and secure core platform featuring a highly automated and data-driven managed service .
Security is a top priority for ABB as it executes its cloud strategy , which includes consolidating data centres and moving more applications and data into the cloud . BT will enable ABB ’ s cloud-first ambitions with an end-to-end , compliant , multi-layered cybersecurity environment . It will deploy , manage and monitor over 1,100 endpoint devices , continuously verifying every device , user and application accessing the network .
The communications infrastructure will reliably and securely connect people , devices and machines at over 600 facilities in 60 countries . Using the latest software-defined networking technology , it will offer ABB a choice of connectivity options for each site , including 5G access .
It will also provide ABB with a new software-driven platform delivered over Wi-Fi 6 to enable mobility and digital manufacturing concepts , such as robotics , Internet of Things ( IoT ) and Big Data technologies at production sites . Both companies have committed to a coinnovation fund as part of the contract .
By choosing BT , ABB is ensuring its network is delivered by a provider using 100 % renewable electricity globally with a commitment to achieving net zero emissions across all its operations by 2030 .
“ ABB ’ s world-class technology and digital capabilities are deeply embedded in our DNA . Maintaining and improving our innovation , technology and digital leadership is a strategic priority across the company ,” said Alec Joannou , Group CIO , ABB . “ BT is a great fit for our Information Systems function . As our trusted partner , it has helped us keep pace with a dynamic digital landscape and is now evolving our communications infrastructure to support our digital ambitions .”
“ The cloud-first network and digital managed services we ’ re delivering will further enhance agility across ABB ’ s businesses ,” said Bas Burger , CEO , Global , BT . “ The unique trust between our two companies empowers us to push ahead as we connect ABB ’ s people , devices and machines in a sustainable and responsible way .” ◊ intelligent OPERATIONS www . intelligentdatacentres . com
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