TCS, ABB sign multi-million AI deal to transform global network operations

MUMBAI/ZURICH: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and global technology leader ABB have signed a multi-million, multi-year agreement to modernize ABB’s global network operations through an AI-powered digital infrastructure, marking the next phase of a strategic partnership that has spanned two decades.

Under the expanded engagement, TCS will transition from managing infrastructure and applications to delivering end-to-end global network operations through an integrated Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model. The collaboration is designed to help ABB strengthen cybersecurity, improve operational efficiency, enhance user experience and build a future-ready digital backbone capable of supporting next-generation enterprise operations.

At the heart of the collaboration is ABB’s Future Network Model, an enterprise-wide programme that aims to transform the company’s global network into a standardized, centrally managed and AI-driven digital infrastructure. As the strategic implementation partner, TCS will design, integrate and manage ABB’s worldwide network ecosystem while orchestrating a complex multi-vendor environment to ensure seamless and standardized operations across global locations.

The new architecture will replace fragmented network environments with a secure, scalable and service-oriented platform. It will integrate Service Integration and Management (SIAM), a Global Network Operations Center, advanced cybersecurity capabilities, modernized Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) technologies into a unified operating framework. TCS will also enable end-to-end monitoring and intelligent orchestration to deliver high-performance connectivity across ABB’s global operations.

Alec Joannou, Group Chief Information Officer at ABB, said the Future Network Model represents a significant milestone in strengthening the company’s digital foundation. He noted that as ABB’s business continues to evolve, resilient, secure and scalable network infrastructure will be critical for supporting long-term transformation goals while maintaining operational excellence and continuous innovation.

Anupam Singhal, President – Manufacturing, TCS, said the latest agreement marks the next chapter in the companies’ 20-year relationship. He said TCS is embedding artificial intelligence into network operations while combining secure digital infrastructure with deep industry expertise to create intelligent network systems capable of sensing, adapting and continuously improving. The approach, he added, will strengthen reliability, security, scalability and user experience as ABB advances towards becoming a future-ready enterprise.

The collaboration builds upon several successful transformation programmes delivered by TCS over the past two decades, including consolidation of multiple ERP platforms into a unified SAP environment and acceleration of ABB’s cloud transformation initiatives. According to the companies, these projects have established a strong technology foundation that continues to evolve in line with ABB’s changing business priorities.

For TCS, the agreement reinforces its strategy of helping global enterprises move beyond conventional infrastructure management towards AI-enabled intelligent operations. The company has stated its ambition to become the world’s largest AI-led technology services company, enabling customers to transform across the entire AI stack—from infrastructure to intelligence.

The expanded partnership also reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in enterprise networking, where predictive monitoring, intelligent automation, cybersecurity and self-optimizing network operations are becoming essential capabilities for globally distributed businesses. By integrating AI into the core of network management, the collaboration aims to deliver a resilient, secure and adaptive digital infrastructure capable of supporting ABB’s long-term growth and digital transformation agenda.