Nokia has partnered with Accenture, the leader in global management consulting, technology consulting and technology outsourcing, to outsource its Symbian software activities. Accenture and Nokia have been working together since 1994 and now Accenture will be providing Nokia with mobility software services for future smart phones. The deal will enable Nokia to cut business research and development costs by 1 billion euros that is 18%, by 2013 from 5.65 billion which was in the year 2010.Jo Harlow, executive vice president for Smart Devices, Nokia said, “This collaboration demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhance our Symbian offering and serve our smart phone customers. As we move our primary smart phone platform to Windows Phone, this transition of skilled talent to Accenture shows our commitment to provide our Symbian employees with potential new career opportunities.”
About 3,000 Nokia employees are to be transferred and further 4000 from China, Finland, India, United Kingdom and the United States who will initially work on Symbian software activities for Nokia and in time, Accenture and Nokia will seek opportunities to retrain and redeploy the transitioned employees. The transition is expected to begin after the final agreement during summer 2011.
“Mobility is a key area for Accenture. This collaboration with Nokia will enhance our ability to help clients across multiple industries leverage mobility to advance their business agendas. It is a real win-win for Accenture and Nokia,” said Marty Cole, chief executive, Accenture Communications and High Tech group.