Capgemini and Microsoft have signed a joint deal, under which Capgemini will market and deliver services around Windows Azure.
Under the deal, Capgemini’s consulting, technology and outsourcing services will be used to help deploy customer offerings on the Microsoft’s cloud platform, Windows Azure.
Capgemini reveals that the Windows Azure platform enables efficient development and deployment options on a flexible platform that offers increased speed to market.
The joint plan will offer Windows Azure offerings across 22 countries with a first focus on the UK, the Netherlands, the US, Canada, France, Belgium and Brazil, including covering sectors such as financial services, the public sector and energy & utilities.
Capgemini said that it will deliver its full lifecycle capabilities in orchestrating, designing, developing and running cloud-based application services.
The joint plan will also allow businesses develop a cohesive, enterprise-class cloud strategy, with new alternatives to meet legacy and M&A challenges.
Both the partners will also jointly invest in sales, technical training and various marketing activities, and 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, migrate selected applications to the Windows Azure platform, drive ecosystems of third-party suppliers of Windows Azure-based offerings in targeted sectors as well as develop a dedicated offshore centre of expertise through building up the Windows Azure Center of Excellence in Mumbai, India.
