Oslo-based aluminium firm Norsk Hydro has awarded Accenture a three-year application outsourcing (AO), which covers support and maintenance of two of Hydro's SAP systems globally.

The agreement is designed to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Hydro’s SAP-based business processes through an industrialized approach that offers higher quality and innovation.

The services will be provided to Hydro users in multiple countries by Accenture’s Global Delivery Network, using centres in Germany and India. The delivery of the outsourced services is scheduled to begin in October 2010.

Norsk Hydro and Accenture have worked together in the areas of consulting and technology services since the late 1980s.