Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has entered into a three-year agreement with Follett Higher Education to strengthen its IT infrastructure and cybersecurity services. This partnership will look to enhance the academic and retail experiences provided to colleges and universities across the United States and Canada.
TCS will employ its Machine First delivery approach, utilising proprietary accelerators like TCS Cognix, to streamline processes and improve efficiency. A pre-built cloud-based collaboration platform leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning and intelligent automation will also be implemented to facilitate better communication and coordination.
A key component of this collaboration is the deployment of an enterprise infrastructure management platform designed to predict, prescribe, and remediate performance issues that could impact business operations. This platform will feature built-in security and regulatory compliance measures to ensure smooth and secure functioning.
Additionally, TCS will use its Cloud Exponence solution to provide a comprehensive view of Follett’s operations across multiple cloud platforms. The partnership will incorporate industry-leading ITIL 4 standards and best practices for IT service management, enhancing the overall quality and reliability of IT services.
In the cybersecurity area, TCS plans to embed enhanced security measures by design into Follett’s operations. Their security-as-a-service platform will offer Follett end-to-end visibility across its entire cybersecurity landscape, ensuring robust protection against potential threats.
Follett Higher Education operates more than 1,000 college stores across North America, where it offers a wide range of course materials, technology, supplies and school-branded merchandise.
In a statement, Ashish Khurana, Vice President and Head, Retail Americas Business, TCS said, “Whether it’s at a campus bookstore or online, we are committed to partnering with Follett to delight and support students on their academic journeys. We are excited to deepen our longstanding relationship with Follett. TCS will combine its contextual knowledge with technology to create frictionless experiences in students’ interactions with Follett.”