CGI Recognized for Best of Breed Utilities Information Technology and Operational Technology (IT-OT) Integration Services
London (ots/PRNewswire)
Stock Market Symbols GIB (NYSE) GIB.A (TSX)
CGI has been named a "market leader" in an Ovum report titled, "Ovum Decision Matrix: Selecting an IT-OT Integration Partner, 2014-15," for establishing "a commanding market position with a service that is widely accepted as best of breed."
The utilities industry now recognizes the value of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) convergence. Removing siloes created by people, systems and data will allow a smooth flow of information that will increasingly enable automatic control of the distributed network. Combining IT and OT technologies, as well as other enterprise data sources, will create an organization that is truly agile and responsive.
In the report, Ovum noted that CGI is approaching IT-OT convergence through its recently launched Optimized Network Utility (ONU) initiative. CGI has developed its ONU vision based on increasing client demand for IT-OT services and the opportunity to combine its solutions into a single roadmap. "In essence, ONU defines how smart technologies can be deployed holistically, where the customer is always at the center and not regarded as a mere meter point, instead of the meter, as a central focus," the report noted.
CGI demonstrates its strength in IT-OT integration work through innovative projects such as InovGrid in Portugal and Low Carbon London in the UK. Today, smart technologies are being deployed around the world, but different economic and social circumstances, as well as different legal and regulatory requirements, mean that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for delivering the benefits of these technologies. CGI brings a differentiated approach to IT-OT through its deep utilities industry expertise, integration skills and software to help utilities in converging IT and OT to become an ONU.
Stuart Ravens, principal analyst, utilities technology, said: "CGI has worked with many European clients on leading-edge smart energy projects. Its recent success in becoming the centralized data service provider in the British smart metering project is further recognition of its skills as a leading data expert in the utilities business."
"We are delighted to have been recognized as a market leader in this Ovum report," said Nigel Spooner, vice president, global utilities at CGI. "This recognition reinforces the validity of our ONU vision and the pragmatic framework we have developed to enable our clients to achieve its benefits."
About Ovum
Ovum is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. Through its 180 analysts worldwide, it offers expert analysis and strategic insight across the IT, telecom and media industries. Founded in 1985, Ovum has one of the most experienced analyst teams in the industry and is a respected source of guidance for technology business leaders, CIOs, vendors, service providers and regulators looking for comprehensive, accurate and insightful market data, research and consulting. With 23 offices across 6 continents, Ovum offers a truly global perspective on technology and media markets and provides thousands of clients with insight, including workflow tools, forecasts, surveys, market assessments, technology audits, and opinion. In 2012, Ovum was jointly named Global Analyst Firm of the Year by the Institute of Industry Analyst Relations.
In addition, Ovum operates a large portfolio of technology conferences annually in Europe under the OvumLive events brand, presenting a more interactive opportunity to learn from its analysts. Its flagship event-Ovum Industry Congress-attracts over 300 end-user attendees every year.
Ovum is a division of Informa PLC, one of the leading global business and academic publishing and event organizers and headquartered in London. Informa is quoted on the London Stock Exchange.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is the fifth largest independent information technology and business process services firm in the world. Approximately 68,000 professionals serve thousands of global clients from offices and delivery centers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of services including high-end business and IT consulting, systems integration, application development and maintenance, infrastructure management as well as a wide range of proprietary solutions. With annual revenue in excess of C$10 billion and an order backlog exceeding C$20 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Website: http://www.cgi.com
For more information: Investors and media Lorne Gorber Senior Vice-President, Global Communications and Investor Relations lorne.gorber@cgi.com +1- 514-841-3355 Industry queries Nigel Spooner Vice-President, Global Utilities nigel.spooner@cgi.com +44-1372-759854