Transformative Methodology & Technology from Capgemini & iRise Can Boost Innovation, Enhance Products, Cut Costs

El Segundo and New York – October 7, 2008 – Further harnessing IT for operational cost efficiency and faster innovation, Capgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, and iRise, the world’s leading provider of visualization software, announced today that General Motors is deploying, enterprise-wide, visual modeling technology that simulates the user experience of software applications before their actual use.  Unlike traditional mock-up approaches, this new technique allows users of IT applications to actually see and experience how IT systems work even before these systems are developed.  GM is incorporating this transformative technology into its global processes to produce simulations that develop more user-friendly IT systems.
                                                                
GM Already Sees Cost-Savings; Far-Reaching Potential Impact

Deploying visualization software from iRise and using a rapid prototyping process developed by Capgemini, GM has already implemented a number of business applications built from this modeling process that have accelerated time-to-market, cut project costs and increased the adoption of applications.  On average, visual modeling reduced project duration by 10 percent and the projects received very high customer satisfaction ratings.

Ultimately, IT visual modeling is expected to bring more benefits to GM through faster implementation of systems and through adoption of innovative applications that will support the transformation of the company.

“For a century, GM has successfully and consistently built high quality cars and trucks by first creating product simulations or models,” said Fred Killeen, Chief Systems & Technology Officer at General Motors.  “Applying this expertise to visual modeling of software enables GM to deliver increasingly collaborative, innovative and user-centric products to our employees and customers. We are glad to be working with a strong ecosystem of partners to standardize IT visual modeling across our enterprise and the industry.”

This GM-led transformation of people, processes and technology has vast potential: Just as computer-aided design and 3-D modeling techniques made drafting boards obsolete, IT visualization modeling will make stacks of user requirement documents for IT applications items of the past. The specific needs and unique desires of IT product users will no longer be lost in translation between business managers and IT architects.  Businesses across the industry spectrum could benefit.

Capgemini’s Rapid Design and Visualization methodology provides a systematic approach to designing applications and envisioning their use through end-user observations, deep collaboration amongst stakeholders and the presentation of multiple alternative prototypes. From this blueprint, iRise’s software can be used to model and visualize the applications before a single line of code is written. Together, this methodology and technology support the delivery of an application suite that is customized for end-user needs and GM’s market environment.

Visual Modeling Facilitating GM’s “Precision IT”

The introduction of software visual modeling as a standard development process allows GM to provide “precision IT” – applications and tools the business can use to respond faster to customer demands in a cost-efficient manner. GM is currently working with an ecosystem of partners to refine this process and apply it across the enterprise. The software will help GM adapt quickly to changing market conditions as the technology platform brings together multiple communities like GM designers, customer representatives, dealers and customers.

“GM is a pioneer in visual modeling and has led IT to a tipping point where simulation and user-centered design will become the standard for application development,” said Corey Glickman, global leader of Rapid Design and Visualization at Capgemini. “Implementing system visualization across the enterprise allowed GM to bridge the gap between IT, the business and the users of each software application. We are pleased to support GM in developing this methodology standard that can be applied even beyond the automotive industry.”

Already, a number of industries have started to move toward visual modeling as a valuable way of developing applications in a manner that reduces costs, compresses time to launch and increases user adoption. Specifically, financial service firms, high-tech companies and retail organizations are moving quickly to embed visual modeling into their application development processes.

“We’re proud that General Motors is driving global innovation using iRise visualization solutions,” stated Emmet B. Keeffe III, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of iRise.  “Worldwide collaboration on business needs with

iRise is making it possible for GM to accelerate understanding, development and delivery of innovative business applications designed to improve its products and services.   GM is leading the way in leveraging visualization across the enterprise and as a standard method for working with an ecosystem of global IT partners.”

IT Visual Modeling & GM’s Global Retail Integration Initiative

GM worked with Capgemini and iRise in 2006 to launch the Global Retail Integration (GRI) initiative − a Web-based solution to provide a secure information exchange and communication infrastructure between GM and its dealers for improved ordering, sales, service, parts and business administration. GM used Capgemini’s Rapid Design and Visualization Labs as the collaborative environment in which dealers, business analysts and architects made decisions and iRise provided the software tools necessary for the visualization.

The GRI initiative resulted in the development of a global portal that dealerships can utilize for all major dealership-OEM functions.  In extending across all brands and regions, this portal is unique for the industry.  The visualization techniques allowed GM to involve dealerships from around the globe in the collaborative development of applications for key dealership functions including vehicle ordering, parts location, warranty information, and vehicle service support.  The results have helped GM elevate its relationships with dealers and partners from simple transactions to a deeper interaction-based system, allowing them to participate in a continuous, ever-improving cycle of learning, creating and collaboration.

Through the success of the GRI, GM has expanded the use of software visual modeling to a number of other development projects and has promoted visual modeling as a leading practice in IT. These projects include the creation of new functionality for OnStar, improvements in monitoring manufacturing quality, analysis of global cost structuring for supply chains, and global resource planning to support new vehicle development.

Further information on visual modeling is available through an FAQ at http://www.us.capgemini.com/news/FAQ_VisualModeling100708.asp

About Capgemini

Capgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, enables its clients to transform and perform through technologies. Capgemini provides its clients with insights and capabilities that boost their freedom to achieve superior results through a unique way of working - the Collaborative Business Experience - and through a global delivery model called Rightshore®, which aims to offer the right resources in the right location at competitive cost. Present in 36 countries, Capgemini reported 2007 global revenues of EUR 8.7 billion (approximately USD $13.6 billion) and employs over 86,000 people worldwide.

More information is available at www.us.capgemini.com.

About iRise
iRise is the world’s leading provider of visualization software for business applications.    Visualization is quickly becoming a critical competitive advantage for businesses to more effectively communicate their needs to technology teams and give everyone involved the ability to fully experience applications before they are built.  Companies of all sizes like UPS, Wachovia, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Manpower, CompuCredit, Capgemini, and many others use iRise to “test drive” their applications before building, which accelerates time to revenue, improves customer experience, and drives costs down.  At iRise, our vision is that by 2020, all business software will be visualized before being built, the same way that every car, airplane, and building is visualized today.  Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., iRise is backed by Morgan Stanley Venture Partners, and Deutsche Bank, and has sales offices across North America.
More information is available at www.irise.com

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