Wipro completes METRO cloud migration on Google Cloud

Wipro has completed a multi-year data centre migration programme for METRO, moving the food wholesaler's legacy IT operations to a multi-cloud environment on Google Cloud.

The phased project replaces METRO's previous data centre setup while limiting operational risk. It is part of the group's broader cloud-first technology strategy and its effort to reshape core systems for greater flexibility.

METRO is one of Europe's largest food wholesalers, serving professional customers including hotels, restaurants and caterers. Its technology estate supports operations across multiple markets, making infrastructure changes significant for both daily business and longer-term digital plans.

The migration also extends a strategic technology relationship between the two companies that began in 2020 and was later renewed. Google Cloud provides the new environment, giving METRO a foundation across multiple cloud services rather than a traditional data centre model.

Automation layer

Alongside the infrastructure move, the programme introduced automation into parts of METRO's operations, including user lifecycle management. Service requests in those areas can now be handled autonomously through the Wipro Intelligence suite, with the aim of improving response times and reducing manual workload.

Wipro also used AI-led software engineering tools during the engagement to shorten development cycles, improve code quality and speed up issue resolution. The tools are intended to help identify recurring faults and broader operational patterns across systems.

For METRO, the shift is about more than moving workloads from one location to another. The wholesaler is using it to rebuild its underlying architecture for future digital projects, including broader use of artificial intelligence in operations and software management.

"The successful completion of this program marks a key milestone in METRO's transformation journey towards a scalable, cloud-based and AI-ready IT landscape," said Khaled Bagban, Chief Information Officer, METRO. "Together with Wipro and our partner ecosystem, we have established a resilient and future-ready digital foundation that enables us to accelerate innovation and drive AI adoption at scale. This achievement reflects the strength of our collaboration and supports our ambition to become an AI-first company."

Partnership expansion

Wipro has been one of METRO's core external technology partners for several years. The latest phase gives the Indian IT services company a visible reference point in large cross-border infrastructure modernisation projects, at a time when many European companies are reassessing ageing systems and the cost of maintaining their own data centres.

Cloud migration projects of this type have become central to enterprise technology spending because they can affect application development, cybersecurity controls, service management and disaster recovery. For wholesalers and retailers, they can also influence how quickly technology teams can support pricing, inventory, customer management and internal business services.

Wipro linked the METRO project to its broader push into AI-related services. The new setup is intended to support software development, operational management and decision-making through wider use of automated tools across the organisation.

"Our long-standing partnership with METRO reflects Wipro's ability to deliver large-scale enterprise transformation with precision, resiliency and measurable impact," said Omkar Nisal, Chief Executive Officer - Europe, Wipro. "As METRO enters its next era of AI-powered transformation, Wipro Intelligence will play a pivotal role in unlocking greater business value, enabling smarter decision-making and accelerating innovation at scale."

Google Cloud also described the migration as an example of how large European businesses are replacing older infrastructure with cloud-based systems that can support heavier data use and new AI workloads. It said the project gives METRO a data architecture designed for scale and stronger security controls.

"METRO's successful data center exit is a benchmark for enterprise modernization across Europe. With a Google Cloud foundation, METRO has not only eliminated legacy infrastructure constraints but has strategically positioned itself to lead in the AI era. It's a privilege to partner with METRO and Wipro on this journey, delivering the data architecture, scalability, and security required to drive real-time innovation and long-term business value," said Tara Brady, President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Google Cloud.