Under the partnership, Proximus and Besix will focus on the development of innovative solutions for smart buildings in areas such as hospitality, building efficiency and safety & security
Belgian telecom operator Proximus has inked a strategic partnership with compatriot construction firm Besix Group, which specializes in the design and construction of large-complex buildings.
Under the terms of the agreement, Proximus and Besix Group will work together to co-create innovative solutions in the smart buildings market.
Proximus and Besix will initially focus on a number of specific areas including hospitality, working environment, building efficiency and insights, and safety and security.
Proximus highlighted that the new combined portfolio will allow Besix Group to expand its offer with integrated smart solutions.
Proximus has been developing applications for smart buildings such as internet of things (IoT) solutions,, visual analytics capabilities and advanced digital workplace services.
As part of the agreement, Besix Group and Proximus will join forces along two tracks. On the one hand, teams of both companies will start to implement solutions for buildings and infrastructure through identified projects whereby the first smart buildings arising from this partnership can be expected before summer 2019. At the same time there will be a strategic co-creation analysis with a set of joint events, Proximus said.
“Together with Proximus, we are going to combine our respective and mutual assets to deliver advanced smart buildings solutions and create value for the end users, and for all smart buildings stakeholders, said Rik Vandenberghe, CEO of BESIX Group. “Proximus is known for their strength in smart end-to-end solutions, and the partnership with them offers strong support for the development of smart technologies focused on client centricity.”
“I’m delighted about the partnership with BESIX Group, where we will join forces to co-develop smart buildings solutions to the benefit of our customers. Combining new technologies like IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) into new digital solutions, will allow owners to run their buildings more efficiently and to enhance their comfort level, as from their inception. This strategic partnership is an important step in our ambition for a better digital future,” said Dominique Leroy, CEO of the Proximus Group.
The two companies also said that the partnership will seek to attract other partners to expand collaboration in the smart building field.
In related news, Proximus has recently announced the acquisition of Codit, a Belgium-headquartered IT services company and a specialist in business application integration, API Management, Microsoft Azure and Internet of Things.
Codit uses a wide range of Microsoft technologies, including innovative cloud-based solutions, to provide consultancy, technology and managed services.
The telco said that this acquisition will boost Proximus’ ambition to become a digital service provider.
