Telecom has today announced that Gen-i, its ICT services business, is strengthening its investment and focus in Australia as part of its strategy to become Australasia’s leading provider of ICT services.

Gen-i is re-shaping for profitable growth, with a focus on managed ICT services for the mid-market, particularly for clients with a trans-Tasman focus.  As a result of its strategy, Gen-i has decided not to participate in the CBA’s RFP tender process for the provision of telecommunications services across Australia. 

“Our strategy for growth in Australia means an investment in our people and capabilities, with a focus on building our core competencies,” said Chris Quin, Chief Executive Officer for Gen-i Australasia.  “The nature of CBA’s network means it is difficult to leverage this capability for other clients in the mid-market, where we focus on building our scale and capabilities for repeatable solutions.”

“We are proud to have been the Bank’s ICT partner for the last eight years,” said Chris Quin.  “In that time, we have delivered a number of large scale and complex projects designed to overhaul the Bank’s core telecommunications and business operations to better meet its strategic goals.  We have worked closely with the CBA team to deliver a range of benefits to the Bank, including greater commercial flexibility, cost savings and increased operational efficiency.

“We also worked with the Bank to develop its long-term strategy and roadmap for telecommunications and ICT services.”

Gen-i has been providing the Bank with the majority of its telecommunications services since 2000, with its current agreement running to the end of February 2009.  In addition to the services covered by the RFP, Gen-i also supports the Bank in the delivery of other selected services.

Gen-i will support the Bank in transitioning services within the RFP to a new supplier.

“We’ve had a number of recent wins and contract renewals amongst trans-Tasman clients, attracted by our ability to provide a full range of ICT services seamlessly across both markets.”

Michael Harte, Chief Information Officer for CBA, said that, “While we are disappointed Gen-i is not participating in our RFP, we look forward to continuing our work together over the next few years. Gen-i will be supporting us in the transition to a new provider and continuing work on other selected services outside of the RFP.”

This decision does not impact financial guidance that Telecom has previously provided to the market.