AI & Automation
All the latest insight, news and analysis around Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and automation technology involving BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
Partnerships & Alliances
Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions ties with AWS for DevOps focus
New taskforce to adopt agile working methods with AWS engineering support. First project will focus on AI‑based customer assistance solution from November.
People
Vodafone TV product boss heads to partner Kaltura
From customer to supplier, Miguel Rodrigues leaves Vodafone for Kaltura. Vendor on a roll after recent IPO.
Venturing & Investments
Wayra-backed Optimus Price exceeds crowdfunding target
AI retail startup raises more than €450,000 on CrowdCube. Optimus Price adds to Wayra’s retail tech activity.
Partnerships & Alliances
Vodafone quietly steps into Gaia‑X club
UK operator joins Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Telecom Italia at the European cloud and data initiative. Gaia‑X now has 300 members. T‑Sys’s Adel Al‑Saleh says scale, not US hyperscalers, are critical to the success of Gaia‑X.
Partnerships & Alliances
Telefónica Tech likes to be in Cloud Garden with IBM
Duo launches hybrid cloud enterprise solutions based on AI and blockchain. Aim to make omni-channel customer support services more efficient and improve supply chain management. New set of services leverages recently upgraded Cloud Garden, a joint Telefónica–IBM initiative.
Suppliers & SCM
Smart shopping: Vodafone now using bots for buying
Vodafone Procurement Company says new autonomous platform switched on in June. Focus on extended reach and efficiency in long-tail buying. System could ultimately handle end-to-end sourcing for quarter of spend, unit suggests. Pega and _VOIS on enabler team.
Partnerships & Alliances
Vodafone eyes corporates with Unisys tie‑up
Group launches Digital Factory, offering digitalisation support and integration services for AR/VR, big data, blockchain, edge compute, and IoT. Move chimes with Business:2025 growth strategy.
Suppliers & SCM
Nokia wins Dutch managed services deal
TMNL opts for automation-infused Network Services Platform upgrade.
Strategy & Change
Telefónica quietly drops LUCA brand as Telefónica Tech takes over
Unclear whether the more high‑profile ElevenPaths brand has also been retired. Former LUCA product AI Suite showcased at MWC, but still not widely marketed.
M&A
Telefónica Tech preps for part‑sale
Long‑mooted divestment plan appears close to initiation, with reports indicating private equity interest. Division not the big‑hitter it once claimed to become, but hoping to draw punters through M&A and partnerships. Downsized ambition and reset scope remind of last decade’s Telefónica Digital, where grand ambition faded away.
Partnerships & Alliances
Vodafone TV seeks AI smarts with Kaltura and AWS
Next phase for cloud‑based Vodafone TV is applying ML and AI. Operator also exploring MEC via AWS partnership for low‑latency TV services.