Verizon to build Bayer's global network infrastructure

Verizon Business, an arm of telecommunications firm Verizon Wireless, has announced it is to partner with pharmaceuticals giant Bayer on infrastructure.

Bayer has previously had an in-house team overseeing its global IT portfolio. In line with its new cloud-first strategy - in common with the wider phenomenon of cloud transformation globally - Bayer is now outsourcing that responsibility to Verizon, a move which it framed as allowing it to focus its resources on core business activities such as pharmaceuticals and crop science.

The network platform is hoped to improve Bayer’s capacity for collaboration and connectivity as part of an ongoing digital transformation, with Bayer providing network services to 700 Bayer sites worldwide.

Managed technologies include “next-generation network technologies”, alongside a global Private IP network and a software-defined Wide Area Network, as well as professional services support.

In a press release, Bijoy Sagar, Chief Information Technology and Digital Transformation Officer, Bayer, said: “Our network is foundational to our future business success, and Verizon has the global technology and innovation capabilities and expertise to support us as we continue to digitally transform our company. Most importantly, with our network management safe in Verizon’s hands, we are able to focus our internal IT competencies on generating value for our core Life Science businesses.”

The companies said the contract was for an initial five-years, with a two-year extension option.

Tami Erwin, CEO, Verizon Business, said: “Verizon is well-positioned to deliver innovative and seamless network solutions for our customers at a global scale. We are looking forward to this next chapter with Bayer, as we ramp up our ability to build a future-ready infrastructure to support their ongoing growth.”

Bayer has recently flexed its muscles in the agricultural technology space, with its investment arm partnering with Singaporean sovereign wealth fund Temasek to found a vertical farming company.

(Image: Verizon)