MONTRÉAL, Sept. 6, 2018 - GE (NYSE: GE), one of the leading providers of digital energy solutions, and CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A), a global information technology and business consulting services company, announced the signing of an alliance agreement to pursue joint development and implementation opportunities for electric grid software in North America. This unique partnership bridges information technology and operational technology (OT) in the utility industry. GE and CGI will focus on real-time grid operations and controls, critical infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Grid control is becoming an increasing priority among operators in response to evolving energy needs, including increased renewable generation. As a result, utilities around the world are seeking to modernize, integrate and secure their grid control systems.
Modernizing these systems requires advanced technologies, and with greater connectivity comes increased cybersecurity risk. Operators must analyze potential risks, monitor for threats in real time, implement defenses and ensure continuity of operations.
GE and CGI are combining efforts to form a unique partnership to meet changing needs. GE's portfolio of digital technologies helps the industry safely manage, analyze and improve all aspects of transmission and distribution. Its solutions, including WAMS, EMS, ADMS, GIS and DERM, use advanced analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies.
CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. In addition to decades of experience in supporting IT and OT systems for utilities, CGI offers end-to-end IT and systems integration services complemented with cybersecurity and agile capabilities.
"The energy grid of the future will demand an integrated, secure and agile system," said Jim Walsh, CEO of GE Grid Software Solutions. "CGI's experience with utility business processes combined with our proven digital energy portfolio will provide exceptional customer outcomes and help do so in the most cost-efficient way."
"We are excited to combine the best of GE and CGI to help utilities manage complex grids through advanced digital solutions," said Mark Boyajian President, Canada Operations at CGI. "CGI's local delivery centers will provide GE with access to utility experts and best practices in the agile development and integration of grid operation solutions. In addition, our cybersecurity capabilities will help address the increasing threats utilities face as they pursue their digitalization journeys."
About GE
GE (NYSE:GE) drives the world forward by tackling its biggest challenges: energy, health, transportation—the essentials of modern life. By combining world-class engineering with software and analytics, GE helps the world work more efficiently, reliably, and safely. For more than 125 years, GE has invented the future of industry, and today it leads new paradigms in additive manufacturing, materials science, and data analytics. GE people are global, diverse and dedicated, operating with the highest integrity and passion to fulfill GE's mission and deliver for our customers. www.ge.com
About GE Power
GE Power is a world energy leader providing equipment, solutions and services across the energy value chain from generation to consumption. Operating in more than 180 countries, our technology produces a third of the world's electricity, equips 90 percent of power transmission utilities worldwide, and our software manages more than forty percent of the world's energy. Through relentless innovation and continuous partnership with our customers, we are developing the energy technologies of the future and improving the power networks we depend on today. For more information please visit www.ge.com/power, and follow GE Power on Twitter and on LinkedIn.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 74,000 professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from IT and business consulting to systems integration, outsourcing services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. With annual revenue of C$10.8 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.
For more information:
GE- Media, Kathleen Szot, Media Relations, GE Power Digital, +1-312-581-8588
CGI- Investors and media, Lorne Gorber, Executive Vice-President, Investor and Public Relations, lorne.gorber@cgi.com, +1 514-841-3355
