Mumbai/Zurich: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global IT services, consulting, and business solutions company, has announced an expanded strategic partnership with global electrification and automation leader ABB to modernize the company’s worldwide network operations.
The multi-million, multi-year engagement marks the next phase of a collaboration spanning more than two decades. Under the new agreement, TCS will transition from managing infrastructure and applications to delivering end-to-end global network operations through a comprehensive Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model.
The partnership aims to enhance ABB’s digital infrastructure by improving operational efficiency, strengthening cybersecurity, delivering better user experiences, and supporting future AI-enabled enterprise operations.
AI to Drive ABB’s Future Network Model
At the center of the collaboration is ABB’s Future Network Model, a global initiative designed to build a standardized, centrally managed, and intelligent digital network across the company’s worldwide operations.
As ABB’s strategic technology partner, TCS will design, integrate, manage, and optimize the company’s global network ecosystem using artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced digital infrastructure.
The transformation will also simplify ABB’s multi-vendor network environment, enabling standardized operations across global locations while improving scalability and resilience.
Modernizing Global Network Infrastructure
The programme will replace fragmented networking systems with a unified, service-oriented architecture that supports secure and high-performance enterprise connectivity.
The modernization includes:
- Service Integration and Management (SIAM)
- A centralized Global Network Operations Center
- Advanced cybersecurity capabilities
- Modern Local Area Network (LAN)
- Wide Area Network (WAN)
- Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN)
- End-to-end network monitoring and orchestration
The integrated approach is expected to provide greater visibility, faster incident resolution, improved compliance, and more efficient network management across ABB’s global operations.
Focus on AI-Driven Enterprise Networks
Artificial intelligence will play a central role in the engagement by enabling intelligent monitoring, predictive operations, automation, and continuous optimization of ABB’s enterprise network.
By embedding AI into network management, TCS aims to help ABB develop infrastructure capable of detecting issues proactively, adapting to changing workloads, and improving operational performance with minimal manual intervention.
The initiative reflects the broader trend of enterprises increasingly integrating AI into core IT infrastructure to support digital transformation and business resilience.
Leadership Comments
Alec Joannou, Group Chief Information Officer at ABB, said the Future Network Model represents an important milestone in strengthening the company’s global digital foundation.
He noted that as ABB’s business continues to evolve, resilient, secure, and scalable technology infrastructure will remain critical to supporting long-term transformation objectives.
Anupam Singhal, President – Manufacturing at TCS, highlighted that the project represents the next chapter in the long-standing partnership between the two companies.
He said TCS will combine AI-enabled operations, secure digital infrastructure, and deep domain expertise to deliver intelligent networks capable of continuously sensing, adapting, and improving while enhancing reliability, security, user experience, and scalability.
Building on a 20-Year Partnership
The latest agreement builds on more than two decades of collaboration between TCS and ABB.
Over the years, the companies have delivered several major technology transformation initiatives, including:
- Enterprise-wide SAP ERP consolidation
- Cloud transformation programmes
- Infrastructure modernization
- Digital transformation initiatives
The expanded partnership demonstrates the growing strategic role technology service providers play in helping global enterprises modernize mission-critical infrastructure.
Growing Demand for AI-Powered Network Services
As organizations continue investing in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation, enterprise network infrastructure is becoming increasingly intelligent, automated, and software-defined.
Businesses are now seeking integrated Network-as-a-Service models that combine AI-powered operations, cybersecurity, automation, and centralized management to improve operational agility while reducing complexity.
The TCS-ABB collaboration reflects this broader industry shift toward AI-enabled enterprise infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation digital operations across global organizations.
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Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. She has written extensively on fintech, AI and emerging startups.