Center Introduces New IT Outsourcing Model Integrating Local and Offshore Resources

PARIS, March 05, 2003 - Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Spain S.L., a global leader in management consulting and IT services, has been selected by GE as a European Global Development Center (GDC) for IT services to a number of GE businesses.

The center, located in Madrid, Spain, introduces a new IT outsourcing model that integrates near-shore and offshore resources, providing both local knowledge and global reach. Cap Gemini Ernst & Young's Spanish Near-Shore Development Center will offer GE the advantages of proximity, localization and stability. "This new model uses local resources and will provide us with a near-shore solution," says Steve Morrison, Global GDC Director for GE.

The center will provide a variety of development and other IT services, offering flexibility, quick response, access to a network of experts, strong infrastructure management capabilities and experienced management. "With this new model, we are committed to providing to GE our reputable, high-quality services and global delivery capabilities at competitive market price points," says Tom Reynolds, Vice President and leader of the global high-tech practice at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Group (CGE&Y). "Our strategy of combining local and offshore resources offers clients solutions that are truly flexible and adaptive, which is particularly critical in today's volatile marketplace."

Spain is recognized as a leader for near-shore delivery within CGE&Y, providing outsourcing of applications and infrastructure capabilities at competitive prices. "Our Spanish Near-Shore Development Center is a state-of-the-art facility with an excellent delivery infrastructure that enables it to deliver both projects and services," says Riccardo Brizzi, Vice President and Account Executive, GE Europe, for Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Group. "The facility has specific skills in near-shore delivery and quality assurance."

The Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Group is one of the worlds's largest providers of Consulting, Technology and Outsourcing services. The company helps businesses implement growth strategies and leverage technology. The organisation employs approximately 52,700 people worldwide and reported 2002 global revenues of more than 7,04 billion euros.

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Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (CGE&Y) has one of the largest global practices focused on helping companies in Manufacturing, Retail and Distribution (MRD) industries transform their businesses by driving revenue, margin and shareholder value while helping them adapt to market volatility. CGE&Y's MRD practice helps create adaptive business and IT solutions for companies in industry segments including automotive, high technology, consumer products, retail and distribution. Thousands of practitioners with expertise in these industries help clients in more than 30 countries.

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