Nokia Passes the Symbian Torch to Outsourcing Company Accenture, Along with 2,300 Employees
When Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said the company would eventually phase out its Symbian platform, we just weren’t sure how and when it was all going to go down. It appears that the day is finally here as Nokia has officially handed over all Symbian related duties to Accenture, a company who specializes in outsourcing and consulting. As part of the transition, 2,300 former Nokia employees will also be shifted over to Accenture to fulfill Symbian related tasks.
Nokia claims the arrangement with Accenture will remain in place until at least 2016, and loyal Symbian users can look forward to regular updates over the next five years. Continue reading below for the full press release.
Nokia and Accenture Close Symbian Software Development and Support Services Outsourcing Agreement
ESPOO, Finland, Sep 30, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Nokia and Accenture have closed the agreement for Nokia to outsource Symbian software development and support activities to Accenture. Under the agreement, originally announced on June 22, 2011, Accenture will provide Symbian-based software development and support services to Nokia at least until 2016 and also become the preferred supplier for Nokia in its transition to Windows Phone. Following the close, approximately 2,300 employees from China, Finland, India, the United Kingdom and the United States are transferring from Nokia to Accenture.
“We are focused on growing our business in mobility and embedded software. The addition of these highly skilled technologists and engineers to Accenture will strengthen our capabilities in these areas,” said Marty Cole, chief executive, Accenture Communications, Media & Technology operating group. “We look forward to supporting Nokia in the execution of its strategy.”
Accenture will work with Avanade, a technology service company that is majority-owned by Accenture and focuses on Microsoft technologies, to provide further services to Nokia.
