Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 31 | Page 15

NEWS BT, NSSL Global and Viasat form alliance to deliver innovation in UK MOD satellite capabilities Industry-leading global communications companies, BT, NSSL Global and Viasat UK, a subsidiary of Viasat, have announced an alliance to deliver critical defence satellite communications (SATCOM) services and support modernisation of the UK’s defence and space sectors. The alliance has come together to respond to major UK MOD programmes, including bidding for the ‘Service Delivery Wrap’ (SDW) component of Skynet 6, a MOD SATCOM programme that is expected to be awarded in 2022. The alliance will provide fully managed best-inclass SATCOM solutions. Google Cloud and Telefónica partner to accelerate Digital Transformation for Spanish businesses In addition to supporting current MOD programmes, the alliance is strongly positioned to contribute to the developing UK agenda around defence and space technologies. The alliance provides leadership in SATCOM, cybersecurity, service delivery, tactical networking, Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. All three companies bring exceptionally strong track records in working with the MOD and other defence and government organisations around the world. Ed Stainton, Director of Major Government, BT, said: “The combined strengths of this new alliance will bring leading edge technical expertise to the MOD across maritime, air, land, space and cyber environments. We will build on a strong innovation culture and access to best-ofbreed technologies to work collaboratively with our alliance partners, to deliver militarygrade, mission-critical communications services to the MOD and other government departments. For BT, this is an example of how we are striving to do the best for our customers and for our country.” To meet the growing technology needs of Spanish businesses, Google Cloud and Telefónica are announcing a new partnership to foster the country’s Digital Transformation and advance 5G mobile Edge Computing. As part of this agreement, Google Cloud has announced its plans to open a new cloud region in Spain that will leverage Telefonica’s Madrid region infrastructure. The acceleration of Spain’s Digital Transformation and the proliferation of 5G technologies for consumers and businesses alike are key growth engines for the economy. Spain needs enterprises and public organisations of all sizes to be ready to embrace present and future digital challenges and to do so, these businesses need an agile, scalable, secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure. This strong technology backbone will allow easy access to new innovations that will accelerate business development, complete with investments in technological solutions. Telefónica Tech’s cloud business will reinforce its multi-cloud strategy worldwide with joint marketing plans in order to offer its customers a comprehensive solution, which, together with security and communications, will allow companies to enjoy a unique and comprehensive experience. The partnership also marks the significance and relevance of cloud computing for the future of the telecommunications industry. Telefónica’s strong infrastructure combined with Google Cloud’s mobile Edge platform will deliver reliable and value-added 5G services to Spanish businesses and consumers. www.intelligentcio.com INTELLIGENTCIO 15