LONDON, June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) today announced that it has been selected as a key IT Solutions and Systems Integration (SI) Framework partner to provide a wide range of SI services to Network Rail, the UK's leading rail infrastructure provider.

Through the SI Framework, Cognizant will support Network Rail in implementing improvements in the way the company operates a number of its core information management functions and processes, including reliability of the infrastructure and performance. Through this partnership, Network Rail will exploit the right tools, technology and information to better align with wider external industry stakeholders in transforming the rail industry through a period of unprecedented growth in demand and investment in the nation's railway infrastructure. Network Rail anticipates investing in more than 500 initiatives, driving greater business value from technology during the four years of the SI Framework partnership.

The scope of the partnership ranges from infrastructure to enterprise IT functions. Cognizant will be integral to the management of the entire supply chain, collaborating within Network Rail's internal organization to ensure knowledge sharing, smooth transition and innovation. In addition, Cognizant will be required to efficiently and effectively implement IT solutions as a lead supplier, priming, where appropriate, other market suppliers and solution providers.

By selecting Cognizant to provide SI solutions, Network Rail's Information Management service will be able to focus on core activities—analyse business challenges and potential benefits, articulate roadmaps that mesh with business strategy, and facilitate the strengths of the supplier base in delivering new solutions, upgrades and enhancements.

"Cognizant is excited to partner with Network Rail and provide leadership to this extensive programme over the next four years," said Rohit Gupta, Head of Cognizant's Manufacturing, Energy and Transportation practice in the UK. "Over the next 30 years, passenger demand for rail will more than double and freight demand is expected to go up by 140 percent. To meet this ever-growing need, we will closely collaborate with Network Rail and ensure that their IT systems are future-ready.

"In Cognizant, Network Rail has found a trusted partner with a proven track record of implementing IT and SI solutions that deliver the best value to meet the company's business requirements and customer expectations. By optimising technology investments and driving innovation and business transformation, we shall help Network Rail run better and run differently," added Gupta.

About Network Rail

Network Rail is the not for dividend owner and operator of Britain's railway infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations - the largest of which we also manage. We aim to provide a safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure for freight and passenger trains to use.  www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk Twitter: @networkrailPR.

About Cognizant

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (U.S.), Cognizant combines a passion for client satisfaction, technology innovation, deep industry and business process expertise, and a global, collaborative workforce that embodies the future of work. With over 50 delivery centers worldwide and approximately 162,700 employees as of March 31, 2013, Cognizant is a member of the NASDAQ-100, the S&P 500, the Forbes Global 2000, and the Fortune 500 and is ranked among the top performing and fastest growing companies in the world. Visit us online at www.cognizant.com or follow us on Twitter: Cognizant.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions and the factors discussed in our most recent Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cognizant undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE Cognizant