Halliburton Co., considered the No. 2 oilfield services (OFS) operators in the world, has clinched a five-year strategic agreement with Microsoft Corp. and Accenture to improve digital capabilities. 

Through the agreement, Halliburton would be able to finalize its transition to cloud-based digital platforms. The Houston-based operator is also expanding its customer offerings through enhancing real-time platforms for expanded remote operations. 

Also in the works for customers are Improving analytics capabilities using machine learning and artificial intelligence with the Halliburton Data Lake, and accelerating the deployment of technology and applications. 

“The strategic agreement with Microsoft and Accenture is an important step in our adoption of new technology and applications to enhance our digital capabilities, drive additional business agility and reduce capital expenditures,” said CEO Jeff Miller. 

The agreement allows for the migration of all of Halliburton’s physical data centers to Microsoft Azure, which delivers enterprise-grade cloud services, as well as sustainability benefits. 

“Building a digital core and scaling quickly across a business is only possible with a strong foundation in the cloud,” said Accenture CEO Julie Sweet. “Halliburton recognizes that this essential foundation will provide the innovation, efficiency and talent advantages to do things differently and fast.”

Through a joint venture, Accenture and consultant Avande would assist Halliburton’s digital capabilities and business-critical applications transition. The companies predict the staged migration will be completed by 2022.  

“Moving to the cloud allows companies to create market-shaping customer offerings and drive tangible business outcomes,” said Microsoft Executive Vice President Judson Althoff, worldwide commercial business chief. “Through this alliance with Halliburton and Accenture, we will apply the power of the cloud to unlock digital capabilities that deliver benefits for Halliburton and its customers.”

Halliburton on Monday issued its 2Q2020 earnings, which feature some of the sobering effects of coronavirus.