The new contract builds on an existing agreement, signed in 2014, under which BT consolidated and optimized ABB's global communications infrastructure. Now, BT, in collaboration with ABB's information systems team, will transform the network infrastructure to create a sustainable, resilient, and secure core platform with a highly automated, data-driven managed service.
 
Security is a top priority for ABB as it executes its cloud strategy, which includes consolidating data centers and migrating more applications and data to the cloud. BT will help ABB achieve its cloud-first goals with a multi-layered, end-to-end cybersecurity environment that is compliant with regulations. More than 1,100 devices will be deployed, managed, and monitored, with continuous verification of every unit, user, and application accessing the network.
The communications infrastructure will reliably and securely connect people, devices, and machines across more than 600 sites in 60 countries. Utilizing the latest software-defined networking technology, ABB will be offered a selection of connectivity options for each strategic location, including 5G access.
ABB will also be provided with a new software-driven platform delivered via Wi-Fi 6 to enable mobility and digital manufacturing concepts, such as robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data technologies in production facilities. Furthermore, both companies have committed to creating a co-innovation fund as part of the agreement.