UK public transport provider, National Express, has decided to make their IT system cloud-based with IBM Cloud.
A multi-cloud platform will enable them manage them all simultaneously from various locations and different vendors, which could essentially scale up and down to correlate with usage increases.
Vodafone Business and IBM have collaborated on a venture which was launched earlier this year and essentially consists of a deal signed by both parties involving their cloud and digital strategies.
The National Express has put a strategy in place through which they aim to become ‘digital first’. The eight-year contract is part of this strategy. They also plan to focus on customer experiences through making them more personalized, with greater flexibility when it comes to payment options and always-connected vehicles.
What is more, additional measures will be put in place regarding security and risk management to the company’s existing tech infrastructure. Through the joint venture, Vodafone Business and IBM have guaranteed the National Express access to emerging technologies such as 5G, edge computing, IoT and other cloud services.
Debbie O’Shea, CIO of National Express, stated, “Working with the new Vodafone Business and IBM venture forms part of our continued investment in technology to better support our strategic ambitions.” Adding that the partnership would enable the company to move to a more cloud-based environment which would guarantee them a “future-proofed platform” of greater flexibility in supporting their business.
Vodafone is already the National Express’ provider of secure internet gateway and wide area network connectivity.
“Cloud services and connectivity are now inseparable, and there is a clear need for the expertise that the Vodafone Business and IBM venture can deliver,” said Vodafone UK’s business director, Anne Sheehan.
She continued, “We will provide National Express with the holistic solution it requires to drive digital innovation across its business- faster, simpler and at scale.”
IBM general manager of the joint venture with the Vodafone, Michael Valocchi, stated, “By moving to the IBM Cloud and implementing a hybrid cloud strategy, National Express can now tap the combined strengths of IBM and Vodafone and introduce new, innovative services faster and succeed in a digital world.”