BRUSSELS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) has selected Accenture (NYSE:ACN), Safran Identity & Security and Atos to provide application and infrastructure services for the E.U. Visa information System (VIS) and for the Biometric Matching System (BMS) underpinning VIS.
The project will facilitate the fast and secure processing of visa applications by third country nationals requiring visas to enter the Schengen area. The Accenture-Safran-Atos consortium will help eu-LISA deliver new digital services to its customers around the world and enhance the capabilities of the VIS Mail system, which is used to exchange information between member-state authorities.
The contract, awarded following a call for tenders (LISA/2015/RP/02 VIS/BMS MWO) by eu-LISA, is for four years, with option for an extension of up to two years.
“Accenture is excited to have been selected to help eu-LISA manage the safe and legitimate movement of people into the European Union,” said James Canham, managing director of Accenture’s Customs & Borders business. “We will bring our significant experience managing large, complex IT-based identity-management projects for border-management and other government agencies around the world to help ensure the success of this mission-critical program for eu-LISA.”
As consortium leader, Accenture is responsible for overall program management, including delivering enterprise and technology architecture and design support, providing application development and maintenance services, and managing IT on-site service support functions. Safran will continue to develop the biometric solution and provide all biometric-related consulting services and expertise. Atos will be responsible for provision and maintenance of infrastructure solutions.
“Atos is looking forward to enhancing the collaboration with eu-LISA by bringing our expertise in infrastructure managed services to support the border management efforts in the E.U. With our proven track record in maintaining large-scale IT platforms, we will seek to ensure the corrective, adaptive and evolutive maintenance of VIS and its BMS infrastructure to meet all user needs and system performance requirements,” said Punit Sehgal, Atos group vice president and account lead for European institutions.
Philippe Arnaud, VP and general manager of Safran’s Border Control business, said, “Safran has worked with the European Commission since 2007 on the development and maintenance of the biometric matching engine at the heart of the EU’s visa system. This contract, a continuation of our decade-long efforts to help the E.U. manage its borders. It leverages our deep expertise and understanding of the latest biometric technologies to support enhanced border management and border security in Europe.”
Learn more about Accenture’s global Public Safety business and the company’s work with border agencies.
Learn more about Safran Identity & Security’s expertise in biometric and data analytics for smart borders.
About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions – underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 375,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
About Atos
Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is a leader in digital services with pro forma annual revenue of circa EUR 12 billion and 100,000 employees in 72 countries. Serving a global client base, the Group provides Consulting & Systems Integration services, Managed Services & BPO, Cloud operations, Big Data & Cyber-security solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payments and transactional services industry. With its deep technology expertise and industry knowledge, the Group works with clients across different business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications, and Transportation. Atos is focused on business technology that powers progress and helps organizations to create their firm of the future. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and is listed on the Euronext Paris market. Atos operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline.
About Safran Identity & Security
Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Group has 70,000 employees and generated sales of 17.4 billion euros in 2015. Safran is listed on Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC40 index, as well as the Euro Stoxx 50 European index. Safran Identity & Security is a global leader in identity and security solutions, deploying systems in more than 100 countries. Backed by more than 40 years of experience in biometrics, the company develops innovative technologies for the public and private sectors, including identity management, secure transactions and public security solutions. For more information: www.safran-group.com and www.safran-identity-security.com or follow @Safran and @SafranIDSec on Twitter
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