Infosys revamps consulting business in Australia and New Zealand

Infosys  Technologies has launched a new consulting and systems integration practice across Australia and New Zealand, through which Infosys Australia would offer value-added services to its clients and add to its revenue stream, the company said in a release.

"Our new consulting and systems integration practice will allow us to engage with clients earlier in the project lifecycle, by providing the technology and process strategy that supports transformational business goals, as well as the execution of that strategy,'' Infosys Australia CEO Jackie Korhonen said.

"We are known for our delivery excellence and this provides a solid platform from which to build our consulting arm," he added.

The new practice formalises a trend towards more strategic engagements for Infosys Australia. The company recently completed a portfolio analysis project for ING Australia, recommending next steps in the application lifecycle for a number of core applications as part of that company's two-year technology transformation project.

"Infosys has brought process rigor, domain expertise and a great track record for 'getting under the hood' in the ING Australia portfolio analysis," said ING Australia CIO Greg Booker, adding, "They have been a great partner for us."

Infosys said it is consciously launching the new practice at a time when the global economy is putting pressure on companies to rein in costs.

"When times are good, businesses want to focus on growth rather than on transforming underlying processes and strategies. But when the market starts to contract, you can't afford to ignore inefficiencies. You must transform," Korhonen explained.

Infosys has appointed industry veteran Robert Liong to lead the practice as managing partner, consulting and systems integration. Liong has 16 years of international industry and consulting experience, having previously worked with BearingPoint, KPMG and Andersen Consulting. He also has a strong financial services background through recent roles with ING and Westpac, the company said in its release.

"We are thrilled to have Robert on the team," Korhonen said. "His strength in pragmatic, results-oriented consulting is an important move in our drive to become a trusted transformation partner for clients in a range of industries."

Infosys plans to grow the local consulting team to include senior business architects, change management specialists and programme directors.

Infosys Technologies, the parent company of Infosys Australia, released its fiscal year 2009 / fourth quarter results yesterday.