Power Engineering - EDS and Black & Veatch tie up IT deal

9 December 2005 - EDS and Black & Veatch announced Thursday a seven-year strategic relationship, which includes a full information technology (IT) services agreement. The agreement provides Black & Veatch with expanded global IT capabilities.

"This partnership creates a strategic fit that enhances our ability to meet our clients' needs in a more robust manner, at the same time it provides us with expanded global IT capabilities and further strengthens our ability to focus on our core business," said Len C. Rodman, Chairman, President and CEO of Black & Veatch. "EDS' global IT and industry capabilities and proven operational excellence complement our business attributes, provide us with a reliable and cost-effective solution, and enables BV Solutions Group to continue providing technology solutions to its clients."

EDS will manage the IT infrastructure for Black & Veatch's worldwide enterprise including desktops, servers, communication networks and software applications. EDS Agility Alliance partners will provide their products and ongoing technology development support.

"EDS has committed to go beyond IT in delivering services to Black & Veatch. We will use our experienced industry, technology and business development resources worldwide to help build upon its engineering, procurement and construction processes," said EDS U.S. Energy Industry Leader Mike O'Hair. "Like Black & Veatch, we equally value our people, processes and culture, and look forward to welcoming our new team members."

The new agreement also calls for EDS to manage applications development and maintenance, project support, desktop computers, and provide helpdesk and user support for desktops and networks for more than 7000 employees in approximately 90 locations worldwide. EDS will also be responsible for the related asset management, procurement and third party provider relationships.

As part of the agreement, EDS will acquire selected assets and accounts of BV Solutions Group (BVSG), a subsidiary of Black & Veatch. EDS will continue to support and build upon BVSG services, which deliver IT services to clients throughout the United States.

"This new EDS relationship will allow professionals at both companies to align with their respective core technology and industry businesses," said Gerald J. White, who leads BVSG. "Clients of BVSG will see greater access and expanded technology solutions."

Approximately 280 Black & Veatch and BVSG professionals will join EDS and complement its growing Utilities Industry Group as well as continue to build a scalable global IT infrastructure at Black & Veatch.

Add RSS Feed