EVENDALE, Ohio - GE Engine Services and Industrial & Financial Systems (IFS) have formed a strategic alliance to pursue the rapidly growing market for information systems in the commercial aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry.GE Engine Services, the world's leading aviation services provider, and IFS, the fastest-growing global provider of business application software for the past three years, will refine and market IFS Aviation software systems for airlines and commercial MRO providers.The market for MRO information management solutions for the commercial aviation industry now exceeds $1 billion annually. GE and IFS offer unmatched industry process expertise, software technology, and support services to serve this industry.In launching this multi-million dollar agreement, GE Engine Services will deploy IFS Aviation software throughout its network of over 60 service facilities worldwide."Our commitment to IFS Aviation applications is a key step in launching the sale and distribution of these unique, component-based software solutions to the commercial aviation industry," said George Oliver, vice president and general manager of GE Engine Services. "There is a huge opportunity in supplying commercial airlines and MRO providers with specialized maintenance information management systems, especially those with Internet-based capability."After an extensive evaluation, GE concluded that IFS, a leader in business application software for maintenance-intensive industries, provides best-in-class functionality, technology, and support. IFS Aviation software enables commercial aviation companies to integrate critical operations such as engineering, planning, maintenance operations, inventory, purchasing, and finance. The software will be marketed and sold through GE Aviation Information Services and GE Engine Services' global marketing and sales organization."As the world's leading aviation maintenance provider, GE is best positioned to understand the special requirements of commercial airline operations and MRO providers," said Bengt Nilsson, president and chief executive officer of IFS. "This alliance represents a powerful foray for IFS into the aviation market. Since IFS applications are component-based, our aviation customers can quickly implement only the modules they require now and add applications as the need arises, while showing a rapid return on investment." About GE Engine Services (www.geae.com)
GE Engine Services is a global provider of maintenance and support services for operators of GE and non-GE engines, including overhaul and repair, component repair, on wing support, and spare parts. GE Engine Services also maintains engine accessories and key aircraft accessories, provides remote diagnostics monitoring of aircraft in flight, and offers a full range of engine leasing plans. About IFS and IFS Applications (www.ifsworld.com)
IFS develops and supplies component-based business applications for medium and large enterprises. IFS Applications, which is based on Web and portal technology, offers 60+ enterprise application components used in manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, financials, engineering, maintenance and human resource administration. IFS provides customers step-by-step evolution to the extended enterprise with e-business solutions that offer partner, customer, and supplier collaboration. A top-five global business applications supplier, IFS has more than 3500 employees, with sales in 43 countries. The company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (XSSE:IFS).