Accenture bowls over Cricket Australia

Accenture has signed a four-year contract with Cricket Australia to deliver its "digital transformation" work.

A statement from the IT consulting and solutions firm said that it would provide "mobile application development, web portal implementation, analytics, social media, content management and integration" for Cricket Australia.

Neither Accenture nor Cricket Australia would disclose the value of the contract to CRN, citing commercial confidentiality.

Accenture stated that the ultimate aim of the latest deal was to provide "cricket fans with the ability to receive improved and personalised content on any device".

"As consumer viewing habits continue to evolve, it is vital for all sporting organisations to re-imagine how they can create an incredible digital experience for their fan base," said Accenture Australia's communications, media and technology boss Russell Smyth.

"Accenture will team with Cricket Australia to deliver integrated digital business and technology services, positioning the sport of cricket as a leader in using digital technologies."

Cricket Australia stated that Accenture's past record was a factor in its choice. Accenture had an existing relationship with the client through a separate deal signed last year to supply "live streaming and subscriber management capabilities".

Accenture was the IT consulting arm broken off from global accounting firm Arthur Andersen. Internationally the company now employs more than 300,000 staff and racked up revenues of US$30 billion for the year ending 31 August.

Cricket Australia is the governing body for the sport in this country, administering or funding most levels of the game.