VAR500 Roundup: Mphasis Gets Fortify-ed, Capgemini Helps Utilities Turn On, And More

With the economy slowly picking up steam -- some economist say the recession officially ended last summer -- VAR500 companies are starting to offer up new products and services. As customers feel less pressure to cut back, they are starting to look at ways of differentiating themselves by building up their practices. Qwest, Capgemini and Mphasis each made announcements last week, while BlueWater started up a contest for schools. Accenture, meanwhile, fought off litigation regarding its hiring practices.

Qwest Offering Merges Telephony With IP-based Data Networks

Qwest Communications (2007 VAR500 rank 19), has launched its iQ Hosted Unified Communication Service (or iQ HUCS), which provides end users the benefits of integrating voice, e-mail and video services so they are accessible by landline phones, mobile phones, smart phones and computers. By employing Cisco multi-tenant call management, enterprises can use existing network elements, while at the same time lay down the foundation for unified communications capabilities.



"Qwest iQ HUCS is a perfect solution for large customers interested in quickly and cost-effectively migrating to a unified-services platform," Qwest product management vice president Eric Bozich (left), said in a statement. "Customers are able to leverage their existing voice and data network investments, reap the benefits of an integrated network, and maximize efficiencies through an IP-centric architecture."

MphasiS Gets Fortify-ed

BPO services provider MphasiS, part of HP Services (2009 VAR500 rank 4), will acquire U.S.-based, midsize. remote IT operations management company Fortify Infrastructure Services for $15.5 million. Fortify will create a fourth business unit for MphasiS. The current three lines are business process outsourcing (BPO), infrastructure technology outsourcing (ITO), and applications. Published reports noted that Mphasis CEO, Ganesh Ayyar (left), considers Fortify "reasonably profitable."

Capgemini Turns On To Utilities' Needs

Capgemini (2009 VAR500 rank 7) launched Smart Analytics, a business intelligence solution that provides an accelerated platform to help utilities gain the most value from the complex data generated in their organization by their Smart Grid and AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) deployments.

"By 2014, smart grid data floods will force utility companies to double their investment in real-time business intelligence systems," Paul Nannetti, General Manager of Capgemini's global Business Information Management (BIM) service line (left), said in a statement.

The solution enhances the speed of delivery of analytic portals by accelerating the development process for requirements definition, data modeling and related business logic. By leveraging Capgemini's partnerships with Teradata and SAP AG, it reduces the overall cost and risk of implementing business intelligence solutions within utility clients.

Accenture Accused Of Race Discrimination

A class action lawsuit filed in New York federal court alleges that Accenture (2009 VAR500 rank 3) conducts background checks that result in discrimination against African Americans and Latinos, alleges



The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Roberto J. Arroyo, of Morristown, N.J., and accuses Accenture of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by rejecting or firing qualified individuals who have criminal records even when the criminal history has no bearing on the individual's fitness or ability to perform the job.



According to the complaint: "Such policies and practices are illegal because they adopt and perpetuate the racial disparities in the American criminal justice system ... For decades, the Supreme Court and the EEOC have recognized that overly broad restrictions on hiring individuals with criminal records are discriminatory and illegal."

BlueWater And Cisco Offer Contest For Schools

BlueWater Communications Group and Cisco Systems are teaming up to offer a wireless makeover each to a Long Island and a New Jersey school district.

The contest offers the chance to win a wireless makeover worth $35,000. BlueWater has a number of employees that reside in both New Jersey and Long Island.

"We are all aware of the budget cuts and the concerns that lie ahead for all of us. The team here at BlueWater is especially excited about this contest because it gives us an opportunity to 'give back' to our communities in a time when that kind of support can be most valuable," said Lou McElwain, executive vice president of sales for BlueWater.



Interested districts should visit www.WinWithBlueWater.com and fill out a short application. Entries must be received by May 15th in order to be eligible to win.