PLDT Inc. said on Friday it signed a new agreement with US-based Amdocs to manage and automate the telecommunications giant’s information technology (IT) operations.
Under the new deal, PLDT said Amdocs, which provides software and services to communications companies, will introduce artificial intelligence, machine learning, analytics, and robotics to its operations.
“With advanced automation, PLDT and Smart (Smart Communications, Inc.) will be able to implement predictive and zero touch operations, auto resolutions of errors, and self-healing of systems. With fully automated operations, PLDT and Smart will be able to prepare for their journey to the cloud, while reducing their operational costs, and engaging their customers with innovative services and compelling experience,” the company said.
The new six-year service agreement is in addition to the seven-year Master Transformation Agreement signed by the two companies earlier this year.
“This agreement will further boost our efforts to enhance customer experience and engagement. With Amdocs running and automating our IT operations, we will be better equipped to quickly launch innovative products and services to deliver a compelling digital experience to our customers,” PLDT Chairman, President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan was quoted as saying.
Amdocs Chief Marketing Officer Gary Miles said the company is working on expediting the digital transformation of PLDT’s operations.
“With Amdocs Intelligent Operations, PLDT will be able to inject intelligence and automation into their entire operations, enabling them to become more efficient an take smart product and service decisions. This will help them accelerate innovation to further enhance the superior experience they deliver to their customers, while increasing engagement ,loyalty, and affinity to their brand,” Mr. Miles said.
Amdocs Intelligent Operations is part of AmdocsONE, an open, modular and integrated solution set.
In March, rival telecommunications company Globe Telecom, Inc. hired Amdocs to modernize and run IT operations for multiple lines of businesses, such as prepaid and postpaid mobile services, fixed-line broadband, and enterprise services.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.
PLDT shares went up by P50 or 3.85% on Friday, closing at P1,350 apiece.- R.J.N.Igancio
