AkzoNobel Partners With Orange Business Services to Drive Digital Transformation With Secure End-to-end Global Connectivity Services

• Solution includes software-defined networking and security services, including a CyberSOC
• IT/OT network convergence driven by productivity and operational security requirements

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AkzoNobel has expanded its agreement with Orange Business Services to transform its global network and security infrastructure, converge information technology/operational technology (IT/OT) and enhance security. The partnership will enable AkzoNobel to scale up its innovation budget and drive digital transformation.

Orange is providing a range of services, including software-defined WAN and LAN, multisourcing service integration (MSI), security and consulting services for AkzoNobel’s global connectivity transformation. Orange will also support AkzoNobel in centralizing its IT/OT network operations, connecting and managing its entire footprint from factory to store, across all regions.

As a global digital services integrator, Orange will manage services and technologies from multiple network and voice vendors for AkzoNobel using an MSI model. This will enable AkzoNobel to simplify its partner landscape and reduce overall spend.

In addition, Orange is establishing a CyberSOC as part of overseeing end-to-end security for both IT and OT. Powered by Orange Cyberdefense, this will pull together forensic security, security event analysis and risk analysis. Orange will also roll out additional security processes for the company’s network infrastructure, including for roaming users and third parties.

Cloud transformation
As part of its transformation, AkzoNobel is moving its applications to the cloud. Orange is providing robust, secure connectivity from digital workspaces to cloud-based applications for their global workforce.

SD-WAN will help AkzoNobel further optimize its networking expenditures by leveraging internet access, providing direct cloud access for branches and prioritizing business-critical applications through high-performance connections. Orange is also managing and integrating AkzoNobel’s legacy communications to enable an efficient and effective transformation to unified communications (UC) cloud services.

Orange is also providing consultancy for AkzoNobel’s data analytics programs enabling the company to harvest maximum insight from data across its business. This will enable it to gather business intelligence, value and insight. All services are integrated in the AkzoNobel environment and consistently managed globally, delivering reporting dashboards and advice that provide real business value.

“To operate more efficiently, we wanted to simplify our IT ecosystem partner landscape. Building on our more than 15-year successful track record with Orange, we knew we could count on them as our strategic IT services provider. Looking forward, we are eager to co- innovate with Orange around OT and data intelligence services to further boost our business,” said Dirk van der Heijden, Director Global IT Operations at AkzoNobel.

“We have a long and rich history with AkzoNobel in optimizing its infrastructure to provide a competitive edge. We are excited to continue our collaboration, finding secure and innovative ways to support growth and leverage valuable data insights for future innovations in their industry. It’s what we do to support our key customers: connect, protect and innovate,” said Frank Baggermans, Managing Director, Benelux at Orange Business Services.

About AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel has a passion for paint. We’re experts in the proud craft of making paints and coatings, setting the standard in color and protection since 1792. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. Headquartered in the Netherlands, we are active in over 150 countries and employ around 34,000 talented people who are passionate about delivering the high-performance products and services our customers expect. For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com.
© 2020 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

About Orange Business Services
Orange Business Services is a network-native digital services company and the global enterprise division of the Orange Group. It connects, protects and innovates for enterprises around the world to support sustainable business growth. Leveraging its connectivity and system integration expertise throughout the digital value chain, Orange Business Services is well placed to support global businesses in areas such as software-defined networks, multi-cloud services, Data and AI, smart mobility services, and cybersecurity. It securely accompanies enterprises across every stage of the data lifecycle end-to-end, from collection, transport, storage and processing to analysis and sharing.

With companies thriving on innovation, Orange Business Services places its customers at the heart of an open collaborative ecosystem. This includes its 27,000 employees, the assets and expertise of the Orange Group, its technology and business partners, and a pool of finely selected start-ups. More than 3,000 multinational enterprises, as well as two million professionals, companies and local communities in France, put their trust in Orange Business Services.

For more information, visit www.orange-business.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and our blogs.

Orange is one of the world's leading telecommunications operators with revenues of 42.2 billion euros in 2019 and 266 million customers worldwide at 31 December 2019. Orange is listed on the Euronext Paris (ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (ORAN). In December 2019, Orange presented its new "Engage 2025" strategic plan, guided by social and environmental accountability. While accelerating in growth areas, such as B-to-B services and placing data and AI at the heart of innovation, the entire Orange Group will be an attractive and responsible employer.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.