Showing posts with label Accenture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Accenture. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Friday, October 20, 2017
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Most US Citizens Want Government Agencies to Strengthen Cyber Defense Mechanisms to Protect their Digital Data, Accenture Research Finds
From #Accenture:
WASHINGTON D.C.; Apr. 10, 2017 – More than three-quarters of U.S. citizens (79 percent) are concerned about the privacy and security of their personal digital data, and almost two-thirds (63 percent) say they would feel more confident if the government agencies and service providers with which they interact had stronger data-privacy and security policies, according to results of an Accenture (NYSE: ACN) survey of nearly 3,500 U.S. citizens.
The survey – in which nearly one-third (30 percent) of respondents said they had been a victim of cybercrime – found that three-quarters (74 percent) of citizens lack confidence in government’s ability to keep their data private and secure, and almost two-thirds (65 percent) lack confidence in the ability of law-enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes.
“This survey confirms that ‘cyber insecurity’ is pervasive, with citizens feeling concerned and vulnerable,” said Lalit Ahluwalia, who leads Accenture’s security work with state and local government clients in North America. “All organizations must make cybersecurity a top priority and move to deploy end-end cyber defense solutions to combat threats to data, and to ensure citizen confidence when engaging with government agencies.”
The research also found that two-thirds of respondents (66 percent) said they would be willing to sacrifice convenience for increased data security. More than half (60 percent) support the improved security measure of answering additional login questions, and nearly half (47 percent) support the use of biometric technologies to verify identity and secure access. Citizens also expressed support for new security services that agencies could adopt to enhance their data privacy and security measures. Respondents agreed that the availability of a secure digital identity (85 percent), the undertaking of regular security assessments (82 percent) and new cyber defense services (85 percent) would improve their confidence in the privacy and security of their data
The study identified cyber insecurity among citizens as being pervasive across all organizations with which they interact. Respondents did not perceive an increased threat related to government-held data, with more than three-quarters (79 percent) believing that their data is as secure or more secure with government as with commercial organizations. When asked to identify the highest-perceived cyber-security threats, respondents most often cited identity theft (68 percent) and unauthorized access to financial accounts (64 percent), and more than half (55 percent) cited concern about credit-card-information theft.
The survey found that, despite citizen concerns about cyber threats, improved cybersecurity and data-protection measures could improve citizens’ attitudes toward government. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) of respondents said that increased data-security measures would increase their satisfaction with government agencies, and more than half said that improved data-security measures would increase their willingness to interact with government agencies and their confidence and trust in those organizations (cited by 58 percent and 57 percent, respectively).
Peter Hutchinson, public service strategy lead at Accenture said, “While government agencies face many cybersecurity challenges, the research found strong citizen support for government organizations to take steps to increase data security and protect citizen information. Government agencies that take a comprehensive end-to-end security approach by integrating cyber security deep into their organizations will not only secure their data, but also win the trust and confidence of the citizens they serve.”
Interestingly, respondents who interact with government regularly (daily or multiple times per day) were more than twice as likely as those who don’t to express confidence in government’s ability to protect their data (64 percent versus 27 percent) and significantly more confident in the ability of law enforcement to prosecute cybercrime (67 percent versus 36 percent). In terms of age, millennials – those between the ages of 18 and 35 – were the most likely to express confidence in the government’s data-protection abilities, at 35 percent, and senior citizens (those 65 years and older) the least likely, at 16 percent.
This survey follows Accenture’s previous report “Building Confidence: Facing the Cybersecurity Conundrum" that gauged the effectiveness of enterprise security efforts and the adequacy of existing investments. The results of this survey were analyzed in collaboration with Oxford Economics to develop the Accenture Security Index comparing the relative strength of organizations to protect themselves from cyberattacks.
Methodology:
To gauge citizen expectations and attitudes regarding cybersecurity and how government can better protect citizens’ personal digital data, Market Strategy Group, on behalf of Accenture, surveyed 3,469 respondents from the United States. The online survey, conducted in September and October 2016, had an overall margin of error of ± 2 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The majority of respondents (53 percent) were between 36 and 65 years of age; 36 percent were between 18 and 35 years of age; and 11 percent were 65 years of age or older.
Accenture in the United States
Accenture is a leading professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. With more than 50,000 people and operations in 41 cities in the United States, Accenture serves 93 of the Fortune 100 and more than 70 percent of the Fortune 500. In the United States, Accenture has innovation hubs which bring together key elements of the Accenture Innovation Architecture – including labs, studios and innovation centers – to help clients develop and deliver disruptive innovations to drive growth. With an unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity, Accenture is consistently recognized on FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For and DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity lists. Visit us at www.accenture.com
Accenture Security helps organizations build resilience from the inside out, so they can confidently focus on innovation and growth. Leveraging its global network of cybersecurity labs, deep industry understanding across client value chains and services that span the security lifecycle, Accenture protects organization’s valuable assets, end-to-end. With services that include strategy and risk management, cyber defense, digital identity, application security and managed security, Accenture enables businesses around the world to defend against known sophisticated threats, and the unknown. Follow us on Twitter @AccentureSecure or visit us at www.accenture.com/security
APRIL 10, 2017
Most US Citizens Want Government Agencies to Strengthen Cyber Defense Mechanisms to Protect their Digital Data, Accenture Research Finds
WASHINGTON D.C.; Apr. 10, 2017 – More than three-quarters of U.S. citizens (79 percent) are concerned about the privacy and security of their personal digital data, and almost two-thirds (63 percent) say they would feel more confident if the government agencies and service providers with which they interact had stronger data-privacy and security policies, according to results of an Accenture (NYSE: ACN) survey of nearly 3,500 U.S. citizens.
The survey – in which nearly one-third (30 percent) of respondents said they had been a victim of cybercrime – found that three-quarters (74 percent) of citizens lack confidence in government’s ability to keep their data private and secure, and almost two-thirds (65 percent) lack confidence in the ability of law-enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes.
“This survey confirms that ‘cyber insecurity’ is pervasive, with citizens feeling concerned and vulnerable,” said Lalit Ahluwalia, who leads Accenture’s security work with state and local government clients in North America. “All organizations must make cybersecurity a top priority and move to deploy end-end cyber defense solutions to combat threats to data, and to ensure citizen confidence when engaging with government agencies.”
The research also found that two-thirds of respondents (66 percent) said they would be willing to sacrifice convenience for increased data security. More than half (60 percent) support the improved security measure of answering additional login questions, and nearly half (47 percent) support the use of biometric technologies to verify identity and secure access. Citizens also expressed support for new security services that agencies could adopt to enhance their data privacy and security measures. Respondents agreed that the availability of a secure digital identity (85 percent), the undertaking of regular security assessments (82 percent) and new cyber defense services (85 percent) would improve their confidence in the privacy and security of their data
The study identified cyber insecurity among citizens as being pervasive across all organizations with which they interact. Respondents did not perceive an increased threat related to government-held data, with more than three-quarters (79 percent) believing that their data is as secure or more secure with government as with commercial organizations. When asked to identify the highest-perceived cyber-security threats, respondents most often cited identity theft (68 percent) and unauthorized access to financial accounts (64 percent), and more than half (55 percent) cited concern about credit-card-information theft.
The survey found that, despite citizen concerns about cyber threats, improved cybersecurity and data-protection measures could improve citizens’ attitudes toward government. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) of respondents said that increased data-security measures would increase their satisfaction with government agencies, and more than half said that improved data-security measures would increase their willingness to interact with government agencies and their confidence and trust in those organizations (cited by 58 percent and 57 percent, respectively).
Peter Hutchinson, public service strategy lead at Accenture said, “While government agencies face many cybersecurity challenges, the research found strong citizen support for government organizations to take steps to increase data security and protect citizen information. Government agencies that take a comprehensive end-to-end security approach by integrating cyber security deep into their organizations will not only secure their data, but also win the trust and confidence of the citizens they serve.”
Interestingly, respondents who interact with government regularly (daily or multiple times per day) were more than twice as likely as those who don’t to express confidence in government’s ability to protect their data (64 percent versus 27 percent) and significantly more confident in the ability of law enforcement to prosecute cybercrime (67 percent versus 36 percent). In terms of age, millennials – those between the ages of 18 and 35 – were the most likely to express confidence in the government’s data-protection abilities, at 35 percent, and senior citizens (those 65 years and older) the least likely, at 16 percent.
This survey follows Accenture’s previous report “Building Confidence: Facing the Cybersecurity Conundrum" that gauged the effectiveness of enterprise security efforts and the adequacy of existing investments. The results of this survey were analyzed in collaboration with Oxford Economics to develop the Accenture Security Index comparing the relative strength of organizations to protect themselves from cyberattacks.
Methodology:
To gauge citizen expectations and attitudes regarding cybersecurity and how government can better protect citizens’ personal digital data, Market Strategy Group, on behalf of Accenture, surveyed 3,469 respondents from the United States. The online survey, conducted in September and October 2016, had an overall margin of error of ± 2 percent at a 95 percent level of confidence. The majority of respondents (53 percent) were between 36 and 65 years of age; 36 percent were between 18 and 35 years of age; and 11 percent were 65 years of age or older.
Accenture in the United States
Accenture is a leading professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. With more than 50,000 people and operations in 41 cities in the United States, Accenture serves 93 of the Fortune 100 and more than 70 percent of the Fortune 500. In the United States, Accenture has innovation hubs which bring together key elements of the Accenture Innovation Architecture – including labs, studios and innovation centers – to help clients develop and deliver disruptive innovations to drive growth. With an unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity, Accenture is consistently recognized on FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For and DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity lists. Visit us at www.accenture.com
Accenture Security helps organizations build resilience from the inside out, so they can confidently focus on innovation and growth. Leveraging its global network of cybersecurity labs, deep industry understanding across client value chains and services that span the security lifecycle, Accenture protects organization’s valuable assets, end-to-end. With services that include strategy and risk management, cyber defense, digital identity, application security and managed security, Accenture enables businesses around the world to defend against known sophisticated threats, and the unknown. Follow us on Twitter @AccentureSecure or visit us at www.accenture.com/security
# # #
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Accenture and SAP to Help Chemical Companies Advance a New Era of Digital Transformation Through SAP S/4HANA® Chemicals
APRIL 04, 2017
WALLDORF, Germany and NEW YORK; Apr. 4, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) plan to expand their collaboration on SAP S/4HANA® to develop a digital industry platform that will help chemical companies advance a new era of digital transformation.
Co-developed by Accenture and SAP under their SAP S/4HANA collaboration, SAP S/4HANA Chemicals is an innovative re-launch of SAP Best Practices for Chemicals and SAP Business All-in-One for Chemicals solutions. Optimized to run on the SAP HANA® platform and enhanced with SAP Fiori® UX, the new solution targets embedded analytics, enabling real-time decision making from shop floor to top floor and predictive “what-if” simulation capabilities. SAP S/4HANA Chemicals provides a foundation for chemical companies of any size to digitally transform their business models, business processes, and the way people work. The solution is expected to be delivered on premise or hosted in the cloud, helping to blueprint a public cloud in the chemical industry.
“A host of forces are disrupting the chemical industry – geopolitical risks, changing customer desires, growth challenges, population changes, digital technology proliferation and pervasive volatility, to name a few,” said Rachael Bartels, managing director and Chemicals and Natural Resources global industry lead for Accenture. “As chemical industry executives strive for growth in this landscape, new technology can play a major role in unlocking all available value from their processes. We look forward to working with SAP to help our joint clients enhance their productivity and innovation using the SAP Best Practices for Chemicals digital platform, which will leverage our extensive chemicals capability.”
Thorsten Wenzel, vice president and global head, Chemicals, SAP SE, said, “More than ever before, market dynamics can jeopardize classical business models, and chemical companies must inspire and shape a digital chemical world in order to pave the way for sustainable growth and outcome-oriented performance. SAP S/4HANA Chemicals will provide them with the strategic agility and transformative capabilities they need to achieve this. Our collaboration with Accenture helps marry our long-term industry and product expertise, while delivering digital innovation to the industry.”
For more information, visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.
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 401,000 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 SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 345,000 business and public sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.
Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP’s future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
© 2017 SAP SE. All rights reserved.
SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please seehttp://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx#trademark for additional trademark information and notices.
Note to editors:
To preview and download broadcast-standard stock footage and press photos digitally, please visitwww.sap.com/photos. On this platform, you can find high resolution material for your media channels. To view video stories on diverse topics, visit www.sap-tv.com. From this site, you can embed videos into your own Web pages, share video via email links, and subscribe to RSS feeds from SAP TV.
For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:
Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24
United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727)
Co-developed by Accenture and SAP under their SAP S/4HANA collaboration, SAP S/4HANA Chemicals is an innovative re-launch of SAP Best Practices for Chemicals and SAP Business All-in-One for Chemicals solutions. Optimized to run on the SAP HANA® platform and enhanced with SAP Fiori® UX, the new solution targets embedded analytics, enabling real-time decision making from shop floor to top floor and predictive “what-if” simulation capabilities. SAP S/4HANA Chemicals provides a foundation for chemical companies of any size to digitally transform their business models, business processes, and the way people work. The solution is expected to be delivered on premise or hosted in the cloud, helping to blueprint a public cloud in the chemical industry.
“A host of forces are disrupting the chemical industry – geopolitical risks, changing customer desires, growth challenges, population changes, digital technology proliferation and pervasive volatility, to name a few,” said Rachael Bartels, managing director and Chemicals and Natural Resources global industry lead for Accenture. “As chemical industry executives strive for growth in this landscape, new technology can play a major role in unlocking all available value from their processes. We look forward to working with SAP to help our joint clients enhance their productivity and innovation using the SAP Best Practices for Chemicals digital platform, which will leverage our extensive chemicals capability.”
Thorsten Wenzel, vice president and global head, Chemicals, SAP SE, said, “More than ever before, market dynamics can jeopardize classical business models, and chemical companies must inspire and shape a digital chemical world in order to pave the way for sustainable growth and outcome-oriented performance. SAP S/4HANA Chemicals will provide them with the strategic agility and transformative capabilities they need to achieve this. Our collaboration with Accenture helps marry our long-term industry and product expertise, while delivering digital innovation to the industry.”
For more information, visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.
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 401,000 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 SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 345,000 business and public sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.
Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP’s future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
© 2017 SAP SE. All rights reserved.
SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please seehttp://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx#trademark for additional trademark information and notices.
Note to editors:
To preview and download broadcast-standard stock footage and press photos digitally, please visitwww.sap.com/photos. On this platform, you can find high resolution material for your media channels. To view video stories on diverse topics, visit www.sap-tv.com. From this site, you can embed videos into your own Web pages, share video via email links, and subscribe to RSS feeds from SAP TV.
For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:
Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24
United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727)
# # #
Accenture Acquires Genfour, Expands its Capabilities in Intelligent Automation Services
From #Accenture:
LONDON; Apr. 3, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has acquired UK-based Genfour, a pure play automation service provider with deep domain expertise and industry experience in assessing, implementing and managing automation solutions. The acquisition strengthens Accenture’s capabilities as a leading provider of intelligent automation services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The addition of Genfour expands Accenture’s ability to apply intelligent automation solutions that help clients transform and re-engineer their business processes. Clients can take advantage of data-driven insights that enable faster, more informed business decisions and better quality of service to their customers. Genfour’s automation professionals will join the Accenture Operations global Intelligent Automation team and be an integral part of the new Accenture Center of Excellence for Intelligent Automation in the U.K.
“Intelligent automation is transforming the way businesses across industries operate, driving new levels of productivity, innovation, compliance, quality user experiences and improved decision making,” said Manish Sharma, group operating officer, Accenture Operations. “With a strong track record of building and managing flexible, scalable automation solutions, Genfour’s highly skilled professionals will help accelerate the transformation and re-engineering of our clients’ business processes through intelligent automation, enhancing our ability to deliver on the promise of as-a-Service.”
Accenture has trained more than 70,000 professionals on new architectures, intelligent platforms and automation over the past year. To date, automation solutions have been implemented for more than 80 percent of Accenture Operations clients.
“With growing demand for intelligent automation solutions, we’re excited to be joining Accenture to help build better automated processes and tackle complex process opportunities for clients,” said James Hall, CEO, Genfour. “We look forward to continuing to help clients use automation to successfully implement a digital workforce that can ultimately improve both internal operational efficiencies and customer experience.”
Founded in 2012, Genfour is a privately held company headquartered in Cwmbran, in Wales, United Kingdom, serving clients across multiple industries, most notably in insurance, banking and utilities.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Forward Looking Statement
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for the company; the company’s results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; the company’s business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company’s services and solutions, including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the changing technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; if the company is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which the company competes are highly competitive, and the company might not be able to compete effectively; the company could have liability or the company’s reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data from security breaches or cyberattacks; the company’s profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favorable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies; changes in the company’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; the company’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the company’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; the company’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; the company might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; the company’s Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; as a result of the company’s geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to the company’s relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company’s results of operations; the company’s services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if the company is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; the company’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if the company is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that the company makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of the company’s contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company’s revenues and impact its margins; the company’s results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; the company may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.
APRIL 03, 2017
Accenture Acquires Genfour, Expands its Capabilities in Intelligent Automation Services
LONDON; Apr. 3, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has acquired UK-based Genfour, a pure play automation service provider with deep domain expertise and industry experience in assessing, implementing and managing automation solutions. The acquisition strengthens Accenture’s capabilities as a leading provider of intelligent automation services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The addition of Genfour expands Accenture’s ability to apply intelligent automation solutions that help clients transform and re-engineer their business processes. Clients can take advantage of data-driven insights that enable faster, more informed business decisions and better quality of service to their customers. Genfour’s automation professionals will join the Accenture Operations global Intelligent Automation team and be an integral part of the new Accenture Center of Excellence for Intelligent Automation in the U.K.
“Intelligent automation is transforming the way businesses across industries operate, driving new levels of productivity, innovation, compliance, quality user experiences and improved decision making,” said Manish Sharma, group operating officer, Accenture Operations. “With a strong track record of building and managing flexible, scalable automation solutions, Genfour’s highly skilled professionals will help accelerate the transformation and re-engineering of our clients’ business processes through intelligent automation, enhancing our ability to deliver on the promise of as-a-Service.”
Accenture has trained more than 70,000 professionals on new architectures, intelligent platforms and automation over the past year. To date, automation solutions have been implemented for more than 80 percent of Accenture Operations clients.
“With growing demand for intelligent automation solutions, we’re excited to be joining Accenture to help build better automated processes and tackle complex process opportunities for clients,” said James Hall, CEO, Genfour. “We look forward to continuing to help clients use automation to successfully implement a digital workforce that can ultimately improve both internal operational efficiencies and customer experience.”
Founded in 2012, Genfour is a privately held company headquartered in Cwmbran, in Wales, United Kingdom, serving clients across multiple industries, most notably in insurance, banking and utilities.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Forward Looking Statement
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for the company; the company’s results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; the company’s business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company’s services and solutions, including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the changing technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; if the company is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which the company competes are highly competitive, and the company might not be able to compete effectively; the company could have liability or the company’s reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data from security breaches or cyberattacks; the company’s profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favorable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies; changes in the company’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; the company’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the company’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; the company’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; the company might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; the company’s Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; as a result of the company’s geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to the company’s relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company’s results of operations; the company’s services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if the company is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; the company’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if the company is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that the company makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of the company’s contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company’s revenues and impact its margins; the company’s results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; the company may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.
# # #
Accenture Completes Acquisition of iDefense Security Intelligence Services, Expands Ability to Provide Clients with Faster, More Complete Threat Intelligence
From #Accenture:
The acquisition, which was first announced on February 9, 2017, brings more capabilities to Accenture Security, by boosting its existing Cyber Defense Services with better threat intelligence to augment the services it manages for clients’ security operations. iDefense’s capabilities will also become an integral component of Accenture’s adversary simulation, threat hunting and breach response and remediation offerings.
“Completing this acquisition of iDefense dramatically increases the breadth of our threat intelligence capabilities and enables us to get closer to where threats are propagating so we can help clients detect attacks faster,” said Kelly Bissell, managing director of Accenture Security. “We are very excited to welcome the iDefense team to Accenture. Together, we are well positioned to deliver unparalleled enterprise threat intelligence solutions as well as build upon our established market leadership in cyber defense services.”
Over the past 18 years, iDefense has amassed vast amounts of proprietary threat intelligence data that powers its distinctive analysis platform, IntelGraph and its application program interfaces (APIs). Along with bringing powerful insights to Accenture’s clients’ threat intelligence teams, these key capabilities will fuel the Accenture Cybersecurity Engine (ACE) and enable clients to know where threats are forming and coming from, and what actions to take – much earlier than other providers leveraging public data feeds. ACE is a powerful platform that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data across an organization’s entire attack surface in order to predict, detect and eliminate threats.
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Northern Virginia, iDefense serves top-tier organizations across a range of industries – including banking, communications, media, technology and products.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture Security helps organizations build resilience from the inside out, so they can confidently focus on innovation and growth. Leveraging its global network of cybersecurity labs, deep industry understanding across client value chains and services that span the security lifecycle, Accenture protects organizations’ valuable assets, end-to-end. With services that include strategy and risk management, cyber defense, digital identity, application security and managed security, Accenture enables businesses around the world to defend against known sophisticated threats, and the unknown. Follow us @AccentureSecure on Twitter or visit us at www.accenture.com/security.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for Accenture; Accenture’s results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; Accenture’s business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company’s services and solutions including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the changing technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; if Accenture is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which Accenture competes are highly competitive, and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; Accenture could have liability or Accenture’s reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data from security breaches or cyberattacks; Accenture’s profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favourable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies; changes in Accenture’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; Accenture’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; Accenture’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; Accenture’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; Accenture might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; Accenture’s Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; as a result of Accenture’s geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to Accenture’s relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company’s results of operations; Accenture’s services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if Accenture is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; Accenture’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that Accenture makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of Accenture’s contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company’s revenues and impact its margins; Accenture’s results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.
APRIL 03, 2017
Accenture Completes Acquisition of iDefense Security Intelligence Services, Expands Ability to Provide Clients with Faster, More Complete Threat Intelligence
ARLINGTON, VA; Apr.3, 2017 – In a move to provide clients with better and more comprehensive threat intelligence, Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has completed its acquisition of the iDefense Security Intelligence Services business from VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRSN). iDefense is one of the world’s first and most prolific cyber threat intelligence businesses with proven capabilities in making its intelligence both timely and actionable for clients.The acquisition, which was first announced on February 9, 2017, brings more capabilities to Accenture Security, by boosting its existing Cyber Defense Services with better threat intelligence to augment the services it manages for clients’ security operations. iDefense’s capabilities will also become an integral component of Accenture’s adversary simulation, threat hunting and breach response and remediation offerings.
“Completing this acquisition of iDefense dramatically increases the breadth of our threat intelligence capabilities and enables us to get closer to where threats are propagating so we can help clients detect attacks faster,” said Kelly Bissell, managing director of Accenture Security. “We are very excited to welcome the iDefense team to Accenture. Together, we are well positioned to deliver unparalleled enterprise threat intelligence solutions as well as build upon our established market leadership in cyber defense services.”
Over the past 18 years, iDefense has amassed vast amounts of proprietary threat intelligence data that powers its distinctive analysis platform, IntelGraph and its application program interfaces (APIs). Along with bringing powerful insights to Accenture’s clients’ threat intelligence teams, these key capabilities will fuel the Accenture Cybersecurity Engine (ACE) and enable clients to know where threats are forming and coming from, and what actions to take – much earlier than other providers leveraging public data feeds. ACE is a powerful platform that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data across an organization’s entire attack surface in order to predict, detect and eliminate threats.
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Northern Virginia, iDefense serves top-tier organizations across a range of industries – including banking, communications, media, technology and products.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture Security helps organizations build resilience from the inside out, so they can confidently focus on innovation and growth. Leveraging its global network of cybersecurity labs, deep industry understanding across client value chains and services that span the security lifecycle, Accenture protects organizations’ valuable assets, end-to-end. With services that include strategy and risk management, cyber defense, digital identity, application security and managed security, Accenture enables businesses around the world to defend against known sophisticated threats, and the unknown. Follow us @AccentureSecure on Twitter or visit us at www.accenture.com/security.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for Accenture; Accenture’s results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; Accenture’s business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company’s services and solutions including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the changing technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; if Accenture is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which Accenture competes are highly competitive, and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; Accenture could have liability or Accenture’s reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data from security breaches or cyberattacks; Accenture’s profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favourable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies; changes in Accenture’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; Accenture’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; Accenture’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; Accenture’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; Accenture might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; Accenture’s Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; as a result of Accenture’s geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to Accenture’s relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company’s results of operations; Accenture’s services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if Accenture is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; Accenture’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that Accenture makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of Accenture’s contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company’s revenues and impact its margins; Accenture’s results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.
# # #
Accenture Completes Acquisition of Security Company Arismore, Expanding Identity and Access Management Capabilities Across Europe
From #Accenture:
PARIS, FRANCE; Apr. 3, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has completed its acquisition of Arismore, a privately held company in France that specializes in providing security services, including identity and access management (IAM), as well as enterprise architecture, change management and related training services. The acquisition, first announced on December 19, 2016, brings to Accenture complementary security solutions and services, a strong client base and a talented team of 270 highly skilled security and enterprise architecture professionals.
“Today marks an important milestone for us, and we welcome our new Arismore colleagues to the team,” said Kelly Bissell, managing director of Accenture Security. “Bringing Arismore under the Accenture Security umbrella immediately amplifies our long-standing leadership in the digital identity management market throughout Europe. We look forward to building on this relationship to provide advanced services to our global and French clients across their entire security lifecycle and tailored to their specific industry needs.”
“Businesses need a security partner that provides a holistic understanding of specific industries and next-generation technologies, coupled with the ability to tap into scarce security expertise,” said Eric Boulay, president & CEO, Arismore. “We are very excited to join Accenture Security. We will leverage our combined expertise and dramatically grow our team of highly skilled security professionals to match the demands of our clients.”
Founded in 2002, Arismore provides security, enterprise architecture management and training services for numerous top-tier organizations in the telecommunications, media, retail, energy, transportation, banking and insurance sectors. As part of its offerings, Arismore has developed an award-winning Identity-as-a-Service (IdaaS) platform, MEMORITY. The company is headquartered in Saint-Cloud, France, and has additional offices in Villeneuve d’Ascq and La Ciotat.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture Security helps organizations build resilience from the inside out, so they can confidently focus on innovation and growth. Leveraging its global network of cybersecurity labs, deep industry understanding across client value chains and services that span the security lifecycle, Accenture protects organizations’ valuable assets, end-to-end. With services that include strategy and risk management, cyber defense, digital identity, application security and managed security, Accenture enables businesses around the world to defend against known sophisticated threats, and the unknown. Follow us @AccentureSecure on Twitter or visit us at www.accenture.com/security.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for Accenture; Accenture’s results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; Accenture’s business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company’s services and solutions including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the changing technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; if Accenture is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which Accenture competes are highly competitive, and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; Accenture could have liability or Accenture’s reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data from security breaches or cyberattacks; Accenture’s profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favorable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies; changes in Accenture’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; Accenture’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; Accenture’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; Accenture’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; Accenture might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; Accenture’s Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; as a result of Accenture’s geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to Accenture’s relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company’s results of operations; Accenture’s services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if Accenture is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; Accenture’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that Accenture makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of Accenture’s contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company’s revenues and impact its margins; Accenture’s results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.
APRIL 03, 2017
Accenture Completes Acquisition of Security Company Arismore, Expanding Identity and Access Management Capabilities Across Europe
PARIS, FRANCE; Apr. 3, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has completed its acquisition of Arismore, a privately held company in France that specializes in providing security services, including identity and access management (IAM), as well as enterprise architecture, change management and related training services. The acquisition, first announced on December 19, 2016, brings to Accenture complementary security solutions and services, a strong client base and a talented team of 270 highly skilled security and enterprise architecture professionals.
“Today marks an important milestone for us, and we welcome our new Arismore colleagues to the team,” said Kelly Bissell, managing director of Accenture Security. “Bringing Arismore under the Accenture Security umbrella immediately amplifies our long-standing leadership in the digital identity management market throughout Europe. We look forward to building on this relationship to provide advanced services to our global and French clients across their entire security lifecycle and tailored to their specific industry needs.”
“Businesses need a security partner that provides a holistic understanding of specific industries and next-generation technologies, coupled with the ability to tap into scarce security expertise,” said Eric Boulay, president & CEO, Arismore. “We are very excited to join Accenture Security. We will leverage our combined expertise and dramatically grow our team of highly skilled security professionals to match the demands of our clients.”
#Arismore acquisition brings Accenture more security solutions, strong client base & 270 talented pros
Founded in 2002, Arismore provides security, enterprise architecture management and training services for numerous top-tier organizations in the telecommunications, media, retail, energy, transportation, banking and insurance sectors. As part of its offerings, Arismore has developed an award-winning Identity-as-a-Service (IdaaS) platform, MEMORITY. The company is headquartered in Saint-Cloud, France, and has additional offices in Villeneuve d’Ascq and La Ciotat.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture Security helps organizations build resilience from the inside out, so they can confidently focus on innovation and growth. Leveraging its global network of cybersecurity labs, deep industry understanding across client value chains and services that span the security lifecycle, Accenture protects organizations’ valuable assets, end-to-end. With services that include strategy and risk management, cyber defense, digital identity, application security and managed security, Accenture enables businesses around the world to defend against known sophisticated threats, and the unknown. Follow us @AccentureSecure on Twitter or visit us at www.accenture.com/security.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for Accenture; Accenture’s results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; Accenture’s business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company’s services and solutions including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the changing technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; if Accenture is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which Accenture competes are highly competitive, and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; Accenture could have liability or Accenture’s reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data from security breaches or cyberattacks; Accenture’s profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favorable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies; changes in Accenture’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; Accenture’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; Accenture’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; Accenture’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; Accenture might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; Accenture’s Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; as a result of Accenture’s geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to Accenture’s relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company’s results of operations; Accenture’s services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if Accenture is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; Accenture’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that Accenture makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of Accenture’s contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company’s revenues and impact its margins; Accenture’s results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.
# # #
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Accenture Completes Acquisition of First Annapolis, Enhancing its Consulting and Advisory Capabilities in Payments
From Accenture:
NEW YORK; Mar. 28, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has completed its acquisition of First Annapolis, a privately held payments consulting and advisory firm that serves a wide range of clients globally, including leading financial institutions, retailers, travel and entertainment companies, communications/technology companies, and private-equity firms.
The acquisition expands Accenture’s consulting and digital capabilities in the payments sector. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
As part of this acquisition, First Annapolis, now part of Accenture, will bring approximately 80 professionals to the Accenture payments practice, primarily in North America. First Annapolis, headquartered in Annapolis, MD, was founded in 1991.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for the company; the company’s results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; the company’s business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company’s services and solutions, including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the changing technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; if the company is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which the company competes are highly competitive, and the company might not be able to compete effectively; the company could have liability or the company’s reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data from security breaches or cyberattacks; the company’s profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favorable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies; changes in the company’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; the company’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the company’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; the company’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; the company might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; the company’s Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; as a result of the company’s geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to the company’s relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company’s results of operations; the company’s services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if the company is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; the company’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if the company is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that the company makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of the company’s contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company’s revenues and impact its margins; the company’s results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; the company may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.
MARCH 28, 2017
Accenture Completes Acquisition of First Annapolis, Enhancing its Consulting and Advisory Capabilities in Payments
NEW YORK; Mar. 28, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has completed its acquisition of First Annapolis, a privately held payments consulting and advisory firm that serves a wide range of clients globally, including leading financial institutions, retailers, travel and entertainment companies, communications/technology companies, and private-equity firms.
The acquisition expands Accenture’s consulting and digital capabilities in the payments sector. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
As part of this acquisition, First Annapolis, now part of Accenture, will bring approximately 80 professionals to the Accenture payments practice, primarily in North America. First Annapolis, headquartered in Annapolis, MD, was founded in 1991.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “positioned,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for the company; the company’s results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company’s clients’ businesses and levels of business activity; the company’s business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company’s services and solutions, including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the changing technological environment could materially affect the company’s results of operations; if the company is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company’s business, the utilization rate of the company’s professionals and the company’s results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which the company competes are highly competitive, and the company might not be able to compete effectively; the company could have liability or the company’s reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data from security breaches or cyberattacks; the company’s profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favorable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies; changes in the company’s level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company’s effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; the company’s results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the company’s business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; the company’s work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; the company might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; the company’s Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; as a result of the company’s geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to the company’s relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company’s results of operations; the company’s services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if the company is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; the company’s ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if the company is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that the company makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of the company’s contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company’s revenues and impact its margins; the company’s results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; the company may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the “Risk Factors” heading in Accenture plc’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture’s expectations.
# # #
Accenture is Innovation Leader in Internet of Things Services, says HfS Blueprint Report
From Accenture:
The report noted that Accenture is “very strong in large-scale complex Industrial and Manufacturing IoT”, and has a strong portfolio of IoT work and experience across many industry verticals. With over 1,200 IoT engagements in the last two years and 30 As-a-Service IoT apps, Accenture supports clients using accelerators that allow agility and speed to market for IoT projects. These “significant Ready-to-Deploy Technologies” are backed by dedicated staffing and processes, and by the Accenture IoT Ignite methodology, which drives business value and enables project scalability.
“Innovation is at the core of what we do in the IoT space, using techniques like design thinking to help us address challenges and opportunities in new ways,” said Craig McNeil, IoT practice lead at Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital. “This report recognizes our role as trusted strategic advisors, with a strong ecosystem helping to provide new, impactful IoT implementations that deliver value to clients across industries. For many, it’s about starting small and proving a business case with existing data, seeing how the IoT could be used to tighten up processes or smooth out operations. Then scaling up to start collecting and analyzing additional data to identify new revenue opportunities or service lines.”
The HfS Blueprint emphasized the emerging nature of the IoT, with 55 percent of the total Blueprint scoring linked to innovation-based evaluation criteria. “As-a-Service Winners” were identified as service providers that are entrepreneurial in collaboration with clients, and innovating in both Industrial Internet and IoT activities. With the profiles and assessments of 17 service providers of IoT Services, the HfS Report defined IoT Services as applying digital strategy and tactical execution to solve business problems, increase operational efficiencies and / or create new markets by leveraging data to and from connected physical devices and the digital core, which is typically a blend of legacy IT infrastructure and modern digital tools and technologies.
Accenture was also recently positioned as a ‘Leader’ in the IDC MarketScape Report for Worldwide Internet of Things Consulting and Systems Integration Services, with ecosystem relationships and flexible pricing highlighted as strengths.
To read the HfS Blueprint, please click here.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital, plans, implements and manages mobility solutions for businesses and public organizations, including developing and implementing enterprise mobility strategies; building and testing applications; and supplying credible, business ready Internet of Things offerings and managed services. Accenture Mobility services are based on deep industry insights and technical expertise that help clients across all industries achieve growth, efficiency and manage a successful transformation as they adopt the tools of a digital business. Find out more by following@mobilitywise and visiting www.accenture.com/mobility.
MARCH 28, 2017
Accenture is Innovation Leader in Internet of Things Services, says HfS Blueprint Report
Accenture positioned in Winner’s Circle, with industry experience and ecosystem cited among strengths
NEW YORK; Mar. 28, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is positioned in the “Winner’s Circle” in the IoT Services HfS Blueprint Report 2016, ranking in the highest position for Innovation.Accenture positioned in Winner’s Circle, with industry experience and ecosystem cited among strengths
The report noted that Accenture is “very strong in large-scale complex Industrial and Manufacturing IoT”, and has a strong portfolio of IoT work and experience across many industry verticals. With over 1,200 IoT engagements in the last two years and 30 As-a-Service IoT apps, Accenture supports clients using accelerators that allow agility and speed to market for IoT projects. These “significant Ready-to-Deploy Technologies” are backed by dedicated staffing and processes, and by the Accenture IoT Ignite methodology, which drives business value and enables project scalability.
Accenture is Innovation Leader in HfS Blueprint Grid: Internet of Things
“Accenture has become the most innovative in IoT service provision by playing to its strengths.” said Pareekh Jain, Research Vice President, HfS Research. “In collaborating with clients to drive their IoT action plans, Accenture has made innovation – built on its broad industry and technology experience and a wide IoT ecosystem – central to what it offers. The fact Accenture has also invested ahead of the curve in IoT projects of every scale, while simultaneously focusing on developing proprietary software means that Accenture has become a one-stop-shop for enterprises requiring a strategic partner to help them take advantage of the IoT.”“Innovation is at the core of what we do in the IoT space, using techniques like design thinking to help us address challenges and opportunities in new ways,” said Craig McNeil, IoT practice lead at Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital. “This report recognizes our role as trusted strategic advisors, with a strong ecosystem helping to provide new, impactful IoT implementations that deliver value to clients across industries. For many, it’s about starting small and proving a business case with existing data, seeing how the IoT could be used to tighten up processes or smooth out operations. Then scaling up to start collecting and analyzing additional data to identify new revenue opportunities or service lines.”
The HfS Blueprint emphasized the emerging nature of the IoT, with 55 percent of the total Blueprint scoring linked to innovation-based evaluation criteria. “As-a-Service Winners” were identified as service providers that are entrepreneurial in collaboration with clients, and innovating in both Industrial Internet and IoT activities. With the profiles and assessments of 17 service providers of IoT Services, the HfS Report defined IoT Services as applying digital strategy and tactical execution to solve business problems, increase operational efficiencies and / or create new markets by leveraging data to and from connected physical devices and the digital core, which is typically a blend of legacy IT infrastructure and modern digital tools and technologies.
Accenture was also recently positioned as a ‘Leader’ in the IDC MarketScape Report for Worldwide Internet of Things Consulting and Systems Integration Services, with ecosystem relationships and flexible pricing highlighted as strengths.
To read the HfS Blueprint, please click here.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital, plans, implements and manages mobility solutions for businesses and public organizations, including developing and implementing enterprise mobility strategies; building and testing applications; and supplying credible, business ready Internet of Things offerings and managed services. Accenture Mobility services are based on deep industry insights and technical expertise that help clients across all industries achieve growth, efficiency and manage a successful transformation as they adopt the tools of a digital business. Find out more by following@mobilitywise and visiting www.accenture.com/mobility.
# # #
Bankers Believe Artificial Intelligence Is Key to Creating a More-Human Customer Experience, According to Accenture Report
From Accenture:
NEW YORK, LONDON and HONG KONG; Mar. 28, 2017 – In the next stage of artificial intelligence adoption, banks will use AI to help understand the intentions and emotions of customers and enable better interactions, according to a new report from Accenture (NYSE: ACN).
The report, Accenture Banking Technology Vision 2017, draws on the analysis of an advisory board of more than two dozen individuals, interviews with technology luminaries and industry experts, and results of a survey of more than 600 bankers.
According to the report, more than three-quarters (78 percent) of bankers believe that AI will enable simpler user interfaces that will help banks create a more human-like customer experience. In addition, four out of five respondents (79 percent) believe that AI will revolutionize the way banks gather information and interact with customers, and three-quarters (76 percent) believe that within three years, banks will deploy AI as their primary method for interacting with customers.
“Consumers’ diverse needs and priorities are forcing financial services firms to redefine how they interact with them to determine the best products and services to meet individuals’ needs,” said Alan McIntyre, a senior managing director at Accenture and head of the company’s Banking practice. “AI-enabled tools can help banks identify consumer preferences and empower their workforces to react with insight and emotional intelligence, which is essential for the development of meaningful consumer relationships. The challenge will be how quickly banks can implement these new technologies, many of which are not compatible with their existing IT infrastructure.”
The theme of this year’s report, “Technology for People,” is a call to action for bank executives to design technology to help align their products and services with what consumers want in near real-time. In traditional banks, basic transactions continue to migrate from physical to digital channels, leading to major changes as banks redesign their branch networks and enhance their digital footprint. Four out of five bankers surveyed (80 percent) expect AI to accelerate technology adoption throughout the organization, providing their employees with the tools and resources to better serve consumers.
When asked to identify the top three reasons for embedding AI into user interfaces, respondents most often cited “to gain data analysis and insights” (60 percent), “increase productivity” (59 percent) and “cost benefit savings” (54 percent). At the same time, the bankers acknowledged challenges to implementing AI, citing privacy issues (38 percent), compatibility issues with the current IT structure (36 percent) and the fact that users often prefer human interactions (33 percent).
As with previous Technology Vision reports, Technology Vision 2017 is structured around key trends informed by the research. The five trends identified in Technology Vision 2017 are: “AI Is the New UI (Experience Above All),” “Ecosystem Power Plays (Beyond Platforms),” “Workforce Marketplace (Invent Your Future),” “Design for Humans (Inspire New Behaviors)” and “The Unchartered (Invent New Industries, Set New Standards).”
The “Design for Humans” trend indicates that the key to increasing the quality of customer experience lies in the ability to adapt for unique customer behaviors. The report finds that while human contact is diminishing in terms of volume, the quality and importance of human touch points will increase. For instance, one-third (34 percent) of the bankers surveyed said they plan to use a detailed understanding of human behavior to guide new customer experiences. And while nearly nine in 10 bankers (89 percent) said they believe that their customers are satisfied with their bank’s use of personalization, two-thirds (67 percent) claim they struggle to understand their customers’ needs and goals.
“Bankers believe that participating in ecosystems will provide a variety of benefits — including improved customer satisfaction, increased speed and agility in developing solutions, and access to new customers,” McIntyre said. “However, they will also need to develop a strategy to protect their brand positioning and to deepen their own relationships with customers. More than one-third of the bankers we surveyed believe that participating in ecosystems will also increase their exposure to cyber security threats.”
As reported in the “Ecosystem Power Plays” trend, banks are increasingly integrating their core functions with digital ecosystem platforms in an effort to manage more broad-based consumer relationships. Nearly all bankers surveyed (98 percent) said they believe that it is ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ critical to adopt a platform-based business model and engage in ecosystems with digital partners, with one-quarter (25 percent) of respondents saying that their organizations are already taking aggressive steps to participate in ecosystems.
Many banks are already giving authorized third-parties access to account data and aggregated card profiles to benefit customers. Banks recognize that it is critical to participate in these ecosystems, but it comes at a cost. Three-quarters (76 percent) of respondents said that participating in these ecosystems would require giving up control in favor of an overall better outcome — such as speed, agility and access to new customers — and that same number believe that chosen partners and ecosystems will help determine their bank’s competitive advantage moving forward.
A full copy of the report can be accessed here.
Methodology
Accenture’s Technology Vision is developed annually by the Accenture Labs. For the 2017 report, the research process included gathering input from the Technology Vision External Advisory Board, a group comprising more than two dozen experienced individuals from the public and private sectors, academia, venture capital firms and entrepreneurial companies. In addition, the Technology Vision team conducted interviews with technology luminaries and industry experts, as well as with nearly 100 Accenture business leaders.
In parallel, Accenture Research conducted a global online survey of more than 5,400 business and IT executives across 31 countries and 16 industries to capture insights into the adoption of emerging technologies. The banking industry report is based on responses from 579 respondents at banks in 31 countries across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and South America. The goal of the survey was to identify the key issues and priorities for technology adoption and investment. Respondents were mostly C-level executives and directors, with some functional and line-of-business leads, at companies with annual revenues of at least US$500 million, with the majority of companies having annual revenues greater than US$6 billion.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
MARCH 28, 2017
Bankers Believe Artificial Intelligence Is Key to Creating a More-Human Customer Experience, According to Accenture Report
Accenture Banking Technology Vision 2017 finds that bankers believe AI will revolutionize the way banks gather information and interact with customers
Accenture Banking Technology Vision 2017 finds that bankers believe AI will revolutionize the way banks gather information and interact with customers
NEW YORK, LONDON and HONG KONG; Mar. 28, 2017 – In the next stage of artificial intelligence adoption, banks will use AI to help understand the intentions and emotions of customers and enable better interactions, according to a new report from Accenture (NYSE: ACN).
The report, Accenture Banking Technology Vision 2017, draws on the analysis of an advisory board of more than two dozen individuals, interviews with technology luminaries and industry experts, and results of a survey of more than 600 bankers.
According to the report, more than three-quarters (78 percent) of bankers believe that AI will enable simpler user interfaces that will help banks create a more human-like customer experience. In addition, four out of five respondents (79 percent) believe that AI will revolutionize the way banks gather information and interact with customers, and three-quarters (76 percent) believe that within three years, banks will deploy AI as their primary method for interacting with customers.
“Consumers’ diverse needs and priorities are forcing financial services firms to redefine how they interact with them to determine the best products and services to meet individuals’ needs,” said Alan McIntyre, a senior managing director at Accenture and head of the company’s Banking practice. “AI-enabled tools can help banks identify consumer preferences and empower their workforces to react with insight and emotional intelligence, which is essential for the development of meaningful consumer relationships. The challenge will be how quickly banks can implement these new technologies, many of which are not compatible with their existing IT infrastructure.”
The theme of this year’s report, “Technology for People,” is a call to action for bank executives to design technology to help align their products and services with what consumers want in near real-time. In traditional banks, basic transactions continue to migrate from physical to digital channels, leading to major changes as banks redesign their branch networks and enhance their digital footprint. Four out of five bankers surveyed (80 percent) expect AI to accelerate technology adoption throughout the organization, providing their employees with the tools and resources to better serve consumers.
When asked to identify the top three reasons for embedding AI into user interfaces, respondents most often cited “to gain data analysis and insights” (60 percent), “increase productivity” (59 percent) and “cost benefit savings” (54 percent). At the same time, the bankers acknowledged challenges to implementing AI, citing privacy issues (38 percent), compatibility issues with the current IT structure (36 percent) and the fact that users often prefer human interactions (33 percent).
As with previous Technology Vision reports, Technology Vision 2017 is structured around key trends informed by the research. The five trends identified in Technology Vision 2017 are: “AI Is the New UI (Experience Above All),” “Ecosystem Power Plays (Beyond Platforms),” “Workforce Marketplace (Invent Your Future),” “Design for Humans (Inspire New Behaviors)” and “The Unchartered (Invent New Industries, Set New Standards).”
The “Design for Humans” trend indicates that the key to increasing the quality of customer experience lies in the ability to adapt for unique customer behaviors. The report finds that while human contact is diminishing in terms of volume, the quality and importance of human touch points will increase. For instance, one-third (34 percent) of the bankers surveyed said they plan to use a detailed understanding of human behavior to guide new customer experiences. And while nearly nine in 10 bankers (89 percent) said they believe that their customers are satisfied with their bank’s use of personalization, two-thirds (67 percent) claim they struggle to understand their customers’ needs and goals.
“Bankers believe that participating in ecosystems will provide a variety of benefits — including improved customer satisfaction, increased speed and agility in developing solutions, and access to new customers,” McIntyre said. “However, they will also need to develop a strategy to protect their brand positioning and to deepen their own relationships with customers. More than one-third of the bankers we surveyed believe that participating in ecosystems will also increase their exposure to cyber security threats.”
As reported in the “Ecosystem Power Plays” trend, banks are increasingly integrating their core functions with digital ecosystem platforms in an effort to manage more broad-based consumer relationships. Nearly all bankers surveyed (98 percent) said they believe that it is ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ critical to adopt a platform-based business model and engage in ecosystems with digital partners, with one-quarter (25 percent) of respondents saying that their organizations are already taking aggressive steps to participate in ecosystems.
Many banks are already giving authorized third-parties access to account data and aggregated card profiles to benefit customers. Banks recognize that it is critical to participate in these ecosystems, but it comes at a cost. Three-quarters (76 percent) of respondents said that participating in these ecosystems would require giving up control in favor of an overall better outcome — such as speed, agility and access to new customers — and that same number believe that chosen partners and ecosystems will help determine their bank’s competitive advantage moving forward.
A full copy of the report can be accessed here.
Methodology
Accenture’s Technology Vision is developed annually by the Accenture Labs. For the 2017 report, the research process included gathering input from the Technology Vision External Advisory Board, a group comprising more than two dozen experienced individuals from the public and private sectors, academia, venture capital firms and entrepreneurial companies. In addition, the Technology Vision team conducted interviews with technology luminaries and industry experts, as well as with nearly 100 Accenture business leaders.
In parallel, Accenture Research conducted a global online survey of more than 5,400 business and IT executives across 31 countries and 16 industries to capture insights into the adoption of emerging technologies. The banking industry report is based on responses from 579 respondents at banks in 31 countries across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and South America. The goal of the survey was to identify the key issues and priorities for technology adoption and investment. Respondents were mostly C-level executives and directors, with some functional and line-of-business leads, at companies with annual revenues of at least US$500 million, with the majority of companies having annual revenues greater than US$6 billion.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
# # #
Friday, March 31, 2017
Accenture Positioned as a Leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Datacenter Transformation Consulting and Implementation Services for Third Consecutive Report
From Accenture:
NEW YORK; Mar. 27, 2016 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has been positioned as a leader in datacenter transformation consulting and implementation for the third consecutive time, according to the recently published “IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Datacenter Transformation Consulting and Implementation Services 2016 Vendor Assessment” (doc #US42020516, December 2016) report.
This IDC study presented a vendor assessment of the 2016 datacenter transformation (DCT) consulting and implementation (C&I) services market through the IDC MarketScape model. This research is a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the characteristics that explain a vendor’s success in the marketplace and help anticipate the vendor’s ascendancy. The report also included buyers’ perceptions of both the key characteristics and the capabilities of these providers.
“It’s clear that our strategy of using integrated cloud capabilities and solutions to define, execute, manage and optimize a tailored Journey to Cloud for each client is resonating with industry and customers alike,” said Jack Sepple, senior managing director, Accenture Cloud and Accenture Operations group technology officer. “The IDC MarketScape’s recognition of our Data Center Transformation leadership is further validation of our strong Cloud First strategy and customer focus, as well as our continued drive to enhance cloud capabilities that help organizations unlock the business value of as-a-Service today.”
The IDC MarketScape has also previously recognized Accenture as a leader in cloud services in bothIndustry Cloud Professional Services[1] and Worldwide Cloud Professional Services[2].
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture is a leader in helping organizations move to the cloud to take advantage of a new era of service delivery and flexibility, where applications, infrastructure and business processes are brought together and delivered As-a-Service. Accenture’s Cloud First agenda offers comprehensive, industry-focused cloud services including strategy, implementation, migration and managed services, and assets including the Accenture Cloud Platform that can drive broader transformational programs for clients. Accenture has worked on over 20,000 cloud computing projects for clients, including three-quarters of the Fortune Global 100, and has more than 35,000 professionals trained in cloud computing.
About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.
[1] IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Industry Cloud Professional Services 2016 Vendor Assessment
Jun 2016 Doc # CA40525216
[2] IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Cloud Professional Services 2016 Vendor Assessment
Apr 2016 Doc # US40149616
MARCH 27, 2017
Accenture Positioned as a Leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Datacenter Transformation Consulting and Implementation Services for Third Consecutive Report
NEW YORK; Mar. 27, 2016 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has been positioned as a leader in datacenter transformation consulting and implementation for the third consecutive time, according to the recently published “IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Datacenter Transformation Consulting and Implementation Services 2016 Vendor Assessment” (doc #US42020516, December 2016) report.
This IDC study presented a vendor assessment of the 2016 datacenter transformation (DCT) consulting and implementation (C&I) services market through the IDC MarketScape model. This research is a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the characteristics that explain a vendor’s success in the marketplace and help anticipate the vendor’s ascendancy. The report also included buyers’ perceptions of both the key characteristics and the capabilities of these providers.
Accenture has been positioned as a leader in datacenter transformation consulting and implementation
for the third consecutive time, according to IDC
The IDC MarketScape report notes that to help customers in their journey to cloud “Accenture offers a full life cycle of cloud services including cloud strategy, application analysis and remediation, cloud implementation and migration, and managed cloud services.” The report also stated “Buyers rate Accenture highly for providing technical insights and competence, integrating its project team with customers’ team, and handling changes in project scope. IDC rates Accenture highly in terms of its functionality/offering road map and its growth strategy.”for the third consecutive time, according to IDC
“It’s clear that our strategy of using integrated cloud capabilities and solutions to define, execute, manage and optimize a tailored Journey to Cloud for each client is resonating with industry and customers alike,” said Jack Sepple, senior managing director, Accenture Cloud and Accenture Operations group technology officer. “The IDC MarketScape’s recognition of our Data Center Transformation leadership is further validation of our strong Cloud First strategy and customer focus, as well as our continued drive to enhance cloud capabilities that help organizations unlock the business value of as-a-Service today.”
The IDC MarketScape has also previously recognized Accenture as a leader in cloud services in bothIndustry Cloud Professional Services[1] and Worldwide Cloud Professional Services[2].
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture is a leader in helping organizations move to the cloud to take advantage of a new era of service delivery and flexibility, where applications, infrastructure and business processes are brought together and delivered As-a-Service. Accenture’s Cloud First agenda offers comprehensive, industry-focused cloud services including strategy, implementation, migration and managed services, and assets including the Accenture Cloud Platform that can drive broader transformational programs for clients. Accenture has worked on over 20,000 cloud computing projects for clients, including three-quarters of the Fortune Global 100, and has more than 35,000 professionals trained in cloud computing.
About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.
[1] IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Industry Cloud Professional Services 2016 Vendor Assessment
Jun 2016 Doc # CA40525216
[2] IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Cloud Professional Services 2016 Vendor Assessment
Apr 2016 Doc # US40149616
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Accenture Positioned as a Leader in IDC MarketScape Report for Worldwide Internet of Things Consulting and Systems Integration Services
From Accenture:
NEW YORK; Mar. 27, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is positioned as a Leader in the inaugural IDCMarketScape: Worldwide Internet of Things (IoT) Consulting and Systems Integration (CS&I) Services 2016 Vendor Assessment (Doc # US41880716, November 2016) report.
The report assessed 15 global service providers in the emerging IoT market industry. Buyers rated Accenture highly for strengths including pricing model options and alignment and sales/distribution structure.
“Accenture’s investments in developing industry-specific IoT offers across its operating groups has paid off” said Gard Little, research director for IDC’s Digital Transformation Professional Services research program. “By having a core IoT practice in Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital, the company is focused on delivering digital transformation for clients through its IoT Ignite Strategy, using Agile as a preferred method for digital delivery, along with standardized methods for added efficiencies.”
“Our position in this report reflects our commitment to delivering value to clients through the most innovative IoT services,” said Craig McNeil, IoT practice lead at Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital. “We innovate not only by developing industry-specific IoT use cases that solve real business challenges and deliver tangible benefits, but also in the way we deliver these solutions and how we price them. Being agile and flexible are key tenets to operating as a successful digital business, and reports like this demonstrate that Accenture leading by example in these areas is making a positive difference to our clients.”
The IDC MarketScape report evaluates providers using a comprehensive framework and a set of parameters that are strong predictors of success in the IoT Consulting and Systems Integration (C&SI) services industry. As part of the evaluation process, IoT C&SI services buyers assessed the key characteristics and capabilities of each provider. The IDC MarketScape Report for Worldwide IoT CS&I Services report is available here.
Accenture was also recently positioned in the “Winner’s Circle” and as leading in Innovation in the IoT Services HfS Blueprint Report 2016. Accenture’s strong portfolio of IoT work, experience across many industry verticals and broad ecosystem were identified as strengths.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital, plans, implements and manages mobility solutions for businesses and public organizations, including developing and implementing enterprise mobility strategies; building and testing applications; and supplying credible, business ready Internet of Things offerings and managed services. Accenture Mobility services are based on deep industry insights and technical expertise that help clients across all industries achieve growth, efficiency and manage a successful transformation as they adopt the tools of a digital business. Find out more by following@mobilitywise and visiting www.accenture.com/mobility.
About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.
MARCH 27, 2017
Accenture Positioned as a Leader in IDC MarketScape Report for Worldwide Internet of Things Consulting and Systems Integration Services
Ecosystem Relationships and Flexible Pricing Highlighted as Strengths
Ecosystem Relationships and Flexible Pricing Highlighted as Strengths
NEW YORK; Mar. 27, 2017 – Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is positioned as a Leader in the inaugural IDCMarketScape: Worldwide Internet of Things (IoT) Consulting and Systems Integration (CS&I) Services 2016 Vendor Assessment (Doc # US41880716, November 2016) report.
The report assessed 15 global service providers in the emerging IoT market industry. Buyers rated Accenture highly for strengths including pricing model options and alignment and sales/distribution structure.
“Accenture’s investments in developing industry-specific IoT offers across its operating groups has paid off” said Gard Little, research director for IDC’s Digital Transformation Professional Services research program. “By having a core IoT practice in Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital, the company is focused on delivering digital transformation for clients through its IoT Ignite Strategy, using Agile as a preferred method for digital delivery, along with standardized methods for added efficiencies.”
“Our position in this report reflects our commitment to delivering value to clients through the most innovative IoT services,” said Craig McNeil, IoT practice lead at Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital. “We innovate not only by developing industry-specific IoT use cases that solve real business challenges and deliver tangible benefits, but also in the way we deliver these solutions and how we price them. Being agile and flexible are key tenets to operating as a successful digital business, and reports like this demonstrate that Accenture leading by example in these areas is making a positive difference to our clients.”
The IDC MarketScape report evaluates providers using a comprehensive framework and a set of parameters that are strong predictors of success in the IoT Consulting and Systems Integration (C&SI) services industry. As part of the evaluation process, IoT C&SI services buyers assessed the key characteristics and capabilities of each provider. The IDC MarketScape Report for Worldwide IoT CS&I Services report is available here.
Accenture was also recently positioned in the “Winner’s Circle” and as leading in Innovation in the IoT Services HfS Blueprint Report 2016. Accenture’s strong portfolio of IoT work, experience across many industry verticals and broad ecosystem were identified as strengths.
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 approximately 401,000 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.
Accenture Mobility, part of Accenture Digital, plans, implements and manages mobility solutions for businesses and public organizations, including developing and implementing enterprise mobility strategies; building and testing applications; and supplying credible, business ready Internet of Things offerings and managed services. Accenture Mobility services are based on deep industry insights and technical expertise that help clients across all industries achieve growth, efficiency and manage a successful transformation as they adopt the tools of a digital business. Find out more by following@mobilitywise and visiting www.accenture.com/mobility.
About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.
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