Tesco signs eight-year deal to use Microsoft products and services

Tesco has signed an eight-year software licensing and services deal with Microsoft aimed at helping improve the retail giant's global productivity and international growth.

As part of the agreement, Microsoft will provide the latest versions of its products and services to Tesco's head offices, stores, distribution and datacentres, including Windows, Office, SharePoint, Exchange, Lync, System Center, BizTalk and SQLServer. The deal also includes consultancy services under Microsoft's Enterprise Strategy programme.

Tesco claims the deal will help "improve productivity, decision-making, knowledge sharing and operational excellence".

"We have lots of colleagues in Tesco, doing lots of jobs all over the world," said Tesco group CIO Mike McNamara. "These technologies can help bring us together to share learning and expertise, views and opinions, thoughts and ideas."

Tesco plans to create a new global collaboration platform by deploying SharePoint, Exchange and Lync as part of its strategy to grow internationally, expanding its retail services, including banking, online and mobile.

"Putting innovative technology in the hands of its customers, staff and suppliers will allow Tesco to get closer to its goals of multi-channel retailing and meeting people's needs as they change," said Tesco in a statement.

Bill Gonzalez, general manager for worldwide distribution and services sector at Microsoft, said the agreement will change the way Tesco connects internally and with its customers.