PLDT, Smart investing $300 M for technology mngm’t upgrade
PLDT Inc. and wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. have entered into a $300 million partnership with Amdocs for the upgrade and management of business technology systems used to serve the telco’s customers.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, PLDT said the seven-year agreement would involve modernizing business information technology systems serving PLDT and Smart’s customers through the use of advanced digital technologies and solutions, as well as improvement of business processes and service levels aimed at enhancing customer experience.
The agreement also involves the introduction of new digital tools that will enable the business units to innovate their digital products and services in a timely manner.
“This milestone engagement will help boost our growth, and position us to take the lead in the next wave of digital innovation brought by new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and automation technologies. It is a partnership in real terms,“PLDT chairman, president and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan said certain manpower from PLDT’s IT units would be offered career opportunities in Amdocs as regular employees.
“This represents a unique chance for these IT people to further build their careers in one of the leading software and services companies in the world,“he said.
PLDT’s partnership with Amdocs is in line with the firm’s digital transformation to enhance customer experience, engagement and product delivery.
“With this agreement in place, we can focus on our core mission of serving our customers in the best possible way through powerful, pervasive connectivity, and relevant cutting-edge digital products and services created by ourselves or with partners like Amdocs and others who are leaders in their fields,“Pangilinan said.
Amdocs chief marketing officer Gary Miles said his company’s digital solutions and services would allow PLDT to further enhance customer experiences across brands for home, wireless and enterprise services.
In addition, he said the solutions and services would enable PLDT to improve overall efficiencies to launch new services to drive growth for the data business.