Cognizant inks R&D pact with UK-based Invensys Rail

Chennai-based Cognizant Technology Solutions today signed a five-year, multi-million dollar contract with UK-based railway control and communications systems provider Invensys Rail Group (IRG), to serve the global product research and development (R&D) needs of the latter’s group companies located in the UK, Australia, Spain and the US. Cognizant will augment and maintain IRG’s suite of products and help the latter leverage its process maturity to bring in greater operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness to its global product R&D processes.

Cognizant today made job offers to over 120 IRG professionals working out of the latter’s existing R&D centre in Hyderabad.

“We will work closely with IRG on R&D, and enhancing the product itself based on the market needs. As they (IRG) approach railway companies across the globe, we will definitely be working alongside them for any help they need in customisation, innovation and integration,” R Chandrasekaran, president and managing director (global delivery), Cognizant, told Business Standard.

“The partnership will give us an opportunity to explore newer markets and exposure to an estimated worldwide accessible rail market of ¤86 billion, of which rail control, infrastructure, and services segments account for 62 per cent,” Chandrasekaran said.