Google has scored its biggest success to date for Google Apps with the decision by industrial giant Valeo to roll out a new communication and collaborative working platform to its 30,000 Internet-connected employees.
Valeo will roll out Google Apps, supported by Google’s partner Capgemini, in a phased approach throughout 2009. As a first step, users are being given access to Google sites, on-line documents, video management and instant messaging, including voice and video chat, in order to improve teamwork.
"We were searching for an innovative way to reduce significantly our office infrastructure costs while simultaneously improving user collaboration and productivity," said André Gold, Valeo's Technical Senior Vice-President. "Our pilot projects demonstrate that this target is achievable."
The second phase will see the roll out of an Enterprise directory and workflow tools to automate administrative processes. In the final stage, attention will move on to Google mail, calendar, search and on-line translation solutions.
"The cost savings and innovation made possible by cloud computing help businesses better respond to a global and mobile workforce – especially in today's difficult economic environment," said Dave Girouard, President, Google Enterprise. "We're thrilled Valeo has selected Google."
Valeo designs, produces and sells components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks. It has 122 plants, 61 R&D centres, 10 distribution platforms and employs around 49,000 people in 27 countries worldwide.
