Cognizant, a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, has announced it has been selected as a strategic partner by Telefónica UK, a leading communications company for consumers and businesses in the UK, to develop and manage the Company's online applications that are critical to improving sales and enhancing customer service.

Under the multiyear, managed services agreement, Cognizant will provide comprehensive business and operational support to Telefónica UK's online applications and enhance their agility, flexibility, and responsiveness to consumer demands and market changes. These applications perform a wide array of business-critical functions, ranging from promoting and providing access to Telefónica UK's products and services, to delivering end-user self-service functionalities.

Cognizant will leverage its deep understanding of Telefónica UK's business requirements and technology challenges to help the company keep its online systems operational and scalable, while providing rapid ongoing enhancements as required by the ever-broadening range of Telefónica UK's products and services. This will help Telefónica UK increase customer loyalty, expand customer base, drive innovation, maximize returns on IT investments, and boost competitiveness by balancing cost, complexity, and capacity.

"Cognizant is pleased to work with Telefónica UK in helping the company create operational efficiencies and increase market share," said Sanjiv Gossain, Senior Vice President and Global Practice Leader for Communications, Information, Media and Entertainment at Cognizant. "In a constantly changing communications marketplace characterized by a complex mix of consumer products and services, we are committed to driving excellence in Telefónica UK's operations through proactive and reactive applications outsourcing services, and improved accountability, efficiency, flexibility, and speed. This will help Telefónica UK achieve its business goals and set new standards in customer satisfaction."

"We selected Cognizant as our strategic partner because of its agile software development approach, leading communications industry knowledge, expertise in e-commerce technologies, and its proven delivery pedigree in IT application management services. Through this relationship, Telefónica UK will have access to Cognizant's global delivery network, industry leading practices, and innovation," said Brendan O'Rourke, Head of Online, Integration and Product Design, Telefónica UK. "Our online operations are business-critical and are key to differentiating our products and services in the most competitive mobile environment in the world. With Cognizant, we have developed an innovative and exciting strategic partnership that will allow us to continue to lead the market and accelerate our ability to differentiate our brand across all digital channels."