Infosys (INFY) Launches Skava Commerce To Boost Portfolio

Leading technology services and consulting firm, Infosys Limited (NYSE:INFY) , expanded its portfolio with the launch of Skava Commerce, a modular e-commerce platform. This platform is expected to aid clients in improving their omni-channel experiences.

Of late, innovation has become Infosys’ key business strategy. The company fulfils this objective by developing its next-generation AiKiDo offerings (the acronym for Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge-based IT and Design thinking). Launch of the Skava Commerce is part of enhancing the innovation quotient to attract more customers.

A Sophisticated e-Commerce Platform

Skava Commerce, developed by Infosys’ operating unit – Skava – is a highly sophisticated mobile-first e-commerce platform built on cloud-based microservices. This will empower business enterprises to come up with new offerings, improve digital channel’s conversion rates and create responsive digital properties.

Leveraging on artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing and virtual reality, Skava commerce will transform users’ shopping experiences. This platform will primarily assist retail clients roll out new applications. It will also enhance customer satiation by delivering a consistent performance across multiple channels.

Skava Commerce comes with a host of advanced features, including mobile-first responsive web store, native mobile shopping applications, user-friendly interface and source code license. Further, it possesses a scalable technology that can seamlessly regulate traffic to provide satisfactory customer experience.

At present, retailers have been encumbered by a lot of information technology issues, preventing them from timely prototyping, testing and launching new digital offerings. Skava Commerce eliminates these difficulties without making any hefty investments.

Skava Commerce Prospect Looks Bright

Infosys has been steadily boosting its global consulting and integration capabilities by entering into collaborations with multiple companies including Aimia, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) , and Vodafone Group (LON:VOD) Plc (NASDAQ:VOD) . This is expected to be conducive to Skava Commerce’s market traction. Infosys is bullish that Skava Commerce’s promising features will help it gain acceptance beyond retail and CPG industries, in domains like insurance, banking and utilities.

According to the independent technology and market research firm – Forrester Research – over the next five years, “re-platforming activities” will strongly drive the growth of e-commerce platforms. This is because online retailers are scouting for ways to make their technology more scalable and branded manufacturers continue to strengthen their direct-to-consumer digital channels. Also, the research reveals that rise in investments in applications like PIM, OMSes, experience management and advanced personalization by online investors, will further fuel Skava Commerce’s market traction.

Near-term Challenges Pressing

Despite Infosys’ planned growth initiatives, the changing pattern of technology use, along with rapid proliferation of customizable Internet-based software, has been affecting its traditional outsourcing business. Also, the company suffers weakness, particularly in its sales and other delivery operations, posing a direct threat to its near-term profitability.

This technology firm’s business is highly prone to currency volatility between the Indian rupee and the U.S. dollar as the majority of its revenues are derived from the U.S. markets. Also, macroeconomic concerns like slowdown in China and economic uncertainty post Brexit might compel businesses to delay discretionary spending. This might pose as a challenge to this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company.

A better-ranked stock in the industry is consumer data and analytics provider Acxiom Corporation (NASDAQ:ACXM) , which carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company has an excellent earnings surprise history over the trailing four quarters, beating estimates all through with an average positive surprise of a whopping 102.5%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Confidential from Zacks

Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>>