O2 and IT service provider 2e2 have created a joint venture called O2 Unify. It’s designed to provide IT and communications services to businesses, enabling organisations to outsource their entire ICT needs.
O2 Unify will launch on 2nd April with a portfolio of services including converged solutions (fixed-line, mobile, voice and data) along with Managed WAN, cloud data services and flexible working solutions. Efficiency savings of up to 30% are promised.
Ben Dowd, O2 Business Director, said “Today’s announcement shows the desire of O2 to accelerate the ‘Joined Up’ strategy that was announced at the end of 2009, and take a far greater share of the ICT market. With smart devices now a key element for UK businesses the ability to manage complex fixed and mobile networks is at the heart of the next generation of converged solutions. By cooperating with a growing IT services provider we believe we can transform the way our customers do business and help drive efficiency at a time when budgets are still under pressure. As the worlds of data and voice continue to converge, ‘O2 Unify’ will see us move from managing simple data and broadband connections to overseeing complex business applications and communications infrastructures. It’s a big and exciting move and the natural next step for O2.”
The O2 Unify team will be headed by Paul Osborne, who was previously O2’s Head of Professional and Managed Services. It’ll be based in Slough. Telefónica O2 UK currently has around 22 million mobile customers and over 700,000 fixed-line broadband customers.