Orange, a French telecoms operator, and Capgemini, an IT specialist, have announced the start of commercial operations for Bleu, a cloud platform they have developed together.
This joint venture signifies a strategic partnership between the telecommunications and IT sectors. The Bleu platform, a result of their combined expertise, marks the commencement of commercial operations, highlighting the synergy between Orange's telecommunications capabilities and Capgemini's proficiency in IT solutions. This collaboration aims to deliver innovative cloud services, leveraging the strengths of both companies to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers in the digital landscape.
Leveraging Microsoft 365 and Azure Services
Bleu is intended to serve the French market, specifically the public sector, which includes the French government, public agencies, hospitals, regional authorities, Vital Importance Operators, and Essential Service Operators.
Bleu, launched in partnership with Microsoft, aims to help these organizations leverage Microsoft 365 and Azure services.
“Together with our partner, Capgemini, we are very pleased to announce today the launch of activities of our joint venture, Bleu,” said Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange. “As a leading player in the digital transformation of businesses in France, Orange is aware of the specific challenges in terms of data protection and sovereignty for critical infrastructure operators and public institutions. We are confident that Bleu will meet these needs by providing a cloud solution based on Microsoft services while being fully compliant with the standards set by French authorities in its ‘trusted cloud’ doctrine. Bleu is now fully operational and is actively working with its future customers to prepare for their migration to the platform.”
Bleu was first conceived in 2021 but did not receive European Commission approval until 2023. Services on the platform are expected to go live at the end of the year.
The platform's next steps include conducting test and pilot projects with prospective customers, as well as working toward obtaining the SecNumCloud 3.2 qualification from the French National Cybersecurity Agency by 2025.
