HCL Technologies (HCL), one of India’s top IT services and outsourcing providers, said it has won a five-year deal to implement a digital workplace solution for the world’s largest aircraft maker Airbus.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Airbus is emerging as the biggest aircraft maker in the world after its long-time rival Boeing was forced to cancel or delay deliveries of one of its most popular models, the 737 Max, over safety concerns.
The order also comes in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic that has put operations of corporations under pressure due to restrictions around the number of people who can work in the same room together over concerns of viral transmission.
While more tech-savvy companies, including IT and software companies, were able to adjust to the new normal within a few days by getting their staff to work from their homes, it has been harder for traditional companies.
Hardest hit have been manufacturing companies, whose employees typically work at location near manufacturing plants.
HCL said it will establish a “modernized digital workplace” to enhance the user experience and service quality for the majority of Airbus employees globally.
“HCL was selected as Airbus’ preferred partner as it was able to offer the broadest combination of standard functionality and innovation capabilities to generate greater efficiency and improved time to market,” the Indian company said.
Digital workplace solutions usually involve end-to-end security, including the employees’ computer and other devices, as well as network connectivity.
They also come with sophisticated collaboration tools, including video conferencing, shared document editing, desktop sharing and so on.
In case of companies like Airbus, they would also involve extensive support for computer aided design and engineering tools — an area that HCL is particularly strong in.
HCL said it would deploy its Fluid Workspace solution, which will “rapidly simplify Airbus’ existing IT processes and optimization of delivery costs, using unique end-to-end management services to cover the information and operational technology landscape.”
“The combination of HCL’s scale transformational expertise and management capabilities of IT and OT landscape will enable Airbus to remain at the forefront of innovation and deliver leading-edge user experiences,” said Sandeep Saxena, Executive Vice President (UK&I, France & Benelux), HCL Technologies.
Engineering and R&D Services (ERS) is one of HCL’s three core offerings, with the other two being Products & Platforms (P&P) and IT and Business Services.
HCL divides its offerings into six verticals — Financial Services, Manufacturing, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, Life Sciences and Healthcare, and Public Services.