(Source: Business Wire)Further harnessing IT for operational cost efficiency and faster innovation, Capgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, and iRise, the world's leading provider of visualization software, announced today that General Motors is deploying, enterprise-wide, visual modeling technology that simulates the user experience of software applications before their actual use. Unlike traditional mock-up approaches, this new technique allows users of IT applications to actually see and experience how IT systems work even before these systems are developed. GM is incorporating this transformative technology into its global processes to produce simulations that develop more user-friendly IT systems.

GM Already Sees Cost-Savings; Far-Reaching Potential Impact

Deploying visualization software from iRise and using a rapid prototyping process developed by Capgemini, GM has already implemented a number of business applications built from this modeling process that have accelerated time-to-market, cut project costs and increased the adoption of applications. On average, visual modeling reduced project duration by 10 percent and the projects received very high customer satisfaction ratings.

Ultimately, IT visual modeling is expected to bring more benefits to GM through faster implementation of systems and through adoption of innovative applications that will support the transformation of the company.

"For a century, GM has successfully and consistently built high quality cars and trucks by first creating product simulations or models," said Fred Killeen, Chief Systems & Technology Officer at General Motors. "Applying this expertise to visual modeling of software enables GM to deliver increasingly collaborative, innovative and user-centric products to our employees and customers. We are glad to be working with a strong ecosystem of partners to standardize IT visual modeling across our enterprise and the industry."

This GM-led transformation of people, processes and technology has vast potential: Just as computer-aided design and 3-D modeling techniques made drafting boards obsolete, IT visualization modeling will make stacks of user requirement documents for IT applications items of the past. The specific needs and unique desires of IT product users will no longer be lost in translation between business managers and IT architects. Businesses across the industry spectrum could benefit.

Capgemini's Rapid Design and Visualization methodology provides a systematic approach to designing applications and envisioning their use through end-user observations, deep collaboration amongst stakeholders and the presentation of multiple alternative prototypes.