Atos, Accenture and HP develop Schengen Customs IT

The European Agency for Large-Scale IT Systems (eu-LISA) has awarded a consortium of Atos, Accenture and HP a framework contract to maintain and enhance the second-generation Schengen Information System (SIS II). The contract worth millions in IT development work has a duration of three years with a possible one-year extension.

SIS II is the largest information system for public security in Europe, allowing for information exchanges between national border controls, customs and police authorities, while ensuring the free movement of people into and within the EU happens in a safe environment. SIS II is the next version of the SIS I system, which has been in around for years and currently contains more than 46 million entries, mostly covering lost Identity Documents. SIS II has the ability to store new types of data and further integrate with the new Member States and European and local institutions, such as Europol, Customs and the Police.

Atos, Accenture and HP

Consortium leader Atos – the IT firm was responsible for the development of SIS I – will manage SIS II from defining requirements through to validating the adapted software. Accenture will help enhance and evolve the software architecture of SIS II to increase system performance and functionality as well as to facilitate additional future capabilities. Accenture will also provide on-site user support, training and technical assistance services. HP will provide server, storage and network infrastructure and deliver mission-critical support services.

“Atos is delighted to lead the consortium responsible for assisting eu-LISA in the stable and cost efficient operational management of SIS II, this essential system in implementing EU migration and border management policies. With our proven experience in maintaining similar large-scale IT platforms, we will bring our capacity to ensure the sustainable adaptive and forward-engineering of SIS II to meet future requirements,” says Punit Sehgal, Vice President at Atos.

Mark Crego from Accenture adds: “We are pleased to have been chosen for this project, our experience of working as part of a consortium on the EU-VIS system will enable valuable synergies and support delivery excellence for our client eu-LISA”.