Vodafone to outsource IT operations to IBM

Kolkata, Dec 10 (UNI) Vodafone Essar will outsource all its IT operations to IBM India in a deal designed to boost efficiency and enhancing its service to customers.

Company sources today said the five-year agreement was aimed at ensuring 'flexible and resilient' IT support for the fast-paced roll out of new network infrastructure, keeping pace with the rapid growth in Vodafone Essar's customer base.

At the same time, the agreement was expected to lead to the faster roll out of more varied services to customers, while delivering greater cost efficiencies to Vodafone Essar.

Under the deal, IBM India will assume responsibility for the management of all Vodafone Essar's IT operations--both hardware and software-- with the exception of network service platforms. The agreement will cover the management of IT services, including the development and maintenance of key applications such as billing, business intelligence and financial systems.

" In IBM we have chosen a global partner, committed to the industry and with a proven track record in the region. We are confiden t of delivering cost efficiency as well as an enhanced service", Vodafone Essar Managing Director Asim Ghosh said.

IBM India will also manage other internal IT services for Vodafone Essar such as data centre operations and IT help desk, including desk site, while supporting key areas such as security and change programmes.

Vodafone Essar will continue to retain full strategic control of its IT requirements, the sources said.

UNI