Sogeti Announces Launch of WebSphere Commerce Center of Excellence

Sogeti, a premier provider of information technology services to businesses and public-sector organizations worldwide, officially announced today the launch of its Sogeti WebSphere Commerce Center of Excellence (CoE) service, which provides support for clients using IBM WebSphere Commerce to grow their sales.

Having trained closely with IBM staff, more than 150 of Sogeti’s consulting professionals in the US, Ireland, Sweden, India and the Netherlands will use the Sogeti WebSphere Commerce CoE to provide e-commerce solutions for the retail market, manufacturing industry and large scale projects. The Sogeti WebSphere Commerce CoE initially launched the new environment in October 2007 and worked with existing clients, gathering feedback to help fine tune the service.

According to Sunil Talreja, vice president of Sogeti’s IBM services, the Sogeti WebSphere Commerce CoE is made up of six basic elements:

• Standardized processing for complete project implementation. Sogeti’s IBM team works with its clients to create repeatable, standardized processes for configuration management of WebSphere Commerce, putting in place rules and standards that teams should use for the development of commerce.
• Knowledge management. The Sogeti team works to deliver database training, session documentation, courseware on knowledge management, resolution of unique problems, and other processes to organize acquired knowledge into an easily-referenced database.
• Delivery team support. Devoted team members who are deeply passionate and aligned with the CoE stand by as the client’s first line of contact. Sogeti is dedicated to helping the delivery team do delivery better.
• Support for technologies integration. Sogeti IBM consultants are constantly working to provide easy routes to successful technology integration, testing how well separate technologies work together so the client can foresee problems associated with these integrations and save time that would usually be allocated to testing and problem-solving.
• Alliance with IBM. Sogeti's relationship with IBM gives clients access to information regarding all IBM software products and the value they provide. The partnership also enables the Sogeti staff, which is equipped with first-hand training and development.
• Construction of accelerators and reusable components. Rather than developing one-sided solutions, Sogeti team members work on accelerators and reusable components so clients don’t have to wait for the solutions they need.

The Sogeti WebSphere Commerce CoE is run by a team of consultants from Sogeti’s global operational center, where all members have gained a high level of competency by earning a wide range of certifications. Sogeti consultants have a long tradition of deliveries based on IBM WebSphere Commerce, including project work around installation, migration and extension of existing web shops and the delivery of services regarding application management and support. All members have withstood rigorous training in public and IBM-specific courses, most recently completing an IBM ambassador program that included WebSphere Commerce as a specialty.

"Today, Sogeti is one of the only few global system integrators, able to deploy WebSphere Commerce resources around the world,” said Talreja. "Sogeti has a mature and proven global delivery model that can provide a superior price-for-value proposition on services, combining on-shore and offshore resources. Sogeti also capitalizes on the experience generated in the different competency centers, bringing more value, more quickly to our customers.”

Sogeti’s capabilities within the WebSphere Commerce CoE range from installation, migration and extension of existing web shops to delivery of services regarding application management and support development, integration with external systems, testing and project management of B2C store deployments.

Jan Wede, manager of Seco Tools AB’s project management office and Sogeti client, comments: "With Sogeti’s assistance, we have been able to further realize business value through our webshop – a B2B implementation based on WebSphere Commerce v6 with extended sites, supporting around 30 markets. Working with a skilled local supplier is straightforward and simple but it is also comforting to know that when needed, Sogeti can rely on the strength of their global organization."

For more information on Sogeti’s IBM business solutions in the US, please visit: http://www.us.sogeti.com/services/ibm.htm.

About Sogeti USA

Sogeti USA is a premier provider of information technology services to businesses and public-sector organizations. Operating in 24 U.S. locations, Sogeti’s business model is built on providing customers with local accountability and vast delivery options. Sogeti is a leader in helping clients develop, implement and manage practical IT solutions to help run their business better. With over 40 years of experience, Sogeti offers a comprehensive portfolio of services including Applications Management, Business Consulting, Enterprise Technologies, IBM and Open Solutions, Managed Testing, Microsoft Solutions, High Tech Consulting and Project Consulting Services.

For more, visit http://www.us.sogeti.com.

About Sogeti

Sogeti is a leading provider of professional technology services, specializing in Application Management, Infrastructure Management, High Tech Engineering and Testing. Working closely with our clients we enable them to leverage technological innovation and achieve maximum results. Sogeti brings together more than 20,000 professionals in 14 countries and is present in over 200 locations in Europe, the US and India. Sogeti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cap Gemini S.A., listed on the Paris Stock Exchange. For more information please visit www.sogeti.com.