Press Release

Contract signed on 17 July 2019 in Gütersloh with representatives of OGE and Arvato Systems

IT modernization using the multi cloud

• The largest German transmission system operator awards Arvato Systems with IT operations and the cloud transformation
• Arvato Systems will provide comprehensive infrastructure, application management, and public cloud services for Open Grid Europe for a minimum of six years

Gütersloh/Essen, Germany – Open Grid Europe (OGE), the largest transmission system operator on the German gas market, has commissioned Arvato Systems with a six-year contract governing operation of the ICT systems and transformation to the public cloud as of 1 July 2019. The outsourcing contract was signed in Gütersloh, Germany, on 17 July 2019. The aim of the outsourcing project is to optimize the flexibility and scalability of the IT systems and develop them further for the future.

The cooperation between Open Grid Europe (OGE) and Arvato Systems starts with a 12-month transition phase, during which Arvato Systems will assume responsibility for operations of all IT systems of the approximately 2,300 users. Following the successful transition of IT operations, OGE will have its IT systems run by Arvato Systems for at least five years. During this period, the IT service provider from the Bertelsmann Group will take over remote support and administration of all hardware and software components and application management for the specialist applications.

With the support of Arvato Systems, Open Grid Europe will migrate its ICT systems to Microsoft Azure, the public cloud, in the second project phase, essentially an iterative transformation of the IT landscape at OGE into a hybrid landscape.

Wolfgang Anthes, Managing Director of Open Grid Europe, is convinced of the strategic realignment of the IT landscape: “Arvato Systems prepared an excellent proposal and demonstrated great commitment and the relevant energy market experience to convince us of their ability to implement our IT strategy of ‘agile first – mobile first – cloud first.’ We very much look forward to using all the advantages of the multi-cloud approach in the future.”

Fixed components of the transformation phase into the cloud environment are, for example, the introduction of cloud-based workplace environments and the “cloudification” of SAP and non-SAP landscapes.

“More and more companies are building their IT strategy on a multi-cloud concept,” explains Matthias Moeller, CEO of the Arvato Systems Group. He is certain: “Our broad experience from similar client projects will contribute to preparing Open Grid Europe’s IT for the future and to further developing it successfully in the long term.”

About Arvato Systems

As a globally active IT specialist, Arvato Systems supports renowned companies with digital transformation. Our 2,700+ employees at more than 25 locations around the world have high-level technical skills and industry expertise, and they focus intently on meeting client needs. We work together as a team to develop innovative IT solutions, take our clients into the cloud, integrate digital processes, and assume responsibility for operating IT systems and providing accompanying support. Together with Arvato, which is part of the Bertelsmann Group, we are also able to map entire value-added chains. We ensure that our business relationships with our clients are both personal and based on a trusting partnership. This allows us to achieve long-term success together. arvato-systems.de

About Open Grid Europe

With a transmission network spanning 12,000 kilometers, Essen-based Open Grid Europe is one of the largest transmission system operators in Germany. Our approximately 1,450 employees ensure safe, environmentally friendly, and client-oriented transmission of gas throughout Germany. We actively support the European gas market and work together with European transmission system operators to create the conditions for transnational transport and trading. Our self-understanding goes beyond the regulatory conditions to which we are subject as a network operator: We see ourselves as a client and service-oriented service provider and actively support the energy transition, for example, by helping improve infrastructures and minimize risks. Or by continually trying to identify opportunities and offer innovative solutions. This applies to large, complex projects as well as for small detailed solutions. Why not see for yourself? www.open-grid-europe.com