Nokia Transfers Symbian to Accenture, Cuts Jobs

Nokia will outsource its Symbian software activities to Accenture. The decision will also transfer about 3,000 employees to Accenture. At the same time, Accenture would provide mobility software services to Nokia for future smartphones.


Under the deal, Accenture will provide Symbian-based software development and support services. Transitioning employees, located in China, Finland, India, United Kingdom and the United States, will initially work on Symbian software activities for Nokia. Over time, Accenture and Nokia will seek opportunities to retrain and redeploy transitioned employees.


This collaboration also includes plans for Accenture to provide mobility software, business and operational services around the Windows Phone platform to Nokia and other ecosystem participants.


In addition to the Symbian employee transfer to Accenture, Nokia announced further steps to reduce its Devices & Services expenses. Nokia plans to reduce its global workforce by about 4,000 employees by the end of 2012, with the majority of reductions in Denmark, Finland and the UK. The company will consolidate its research and product development sites so that each site has a clear role and mission. Nokia expects the expansion of some sites and the contraction or closure of others.


"At Nokia, we have new clarity around our path forward, which is focused on our leadership across smart devices, mobile phones and future disruptions," said Stephen Elop, Nokia president and CEO. "However, with this new focus, we also will face reductions in our workforce. This is a difficult reality, and we are working closely with our employees and partners to identify long-term re-employment programs for the talented people of Nokia."http://www.nokia.com
http://www.accenture.com