The FINANCIAL -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) on November 16 announced that it has signed a seven-year, 55 million Euro strategic outsourcing agreement with Samlink Ltd, one of the leading Finnish IT banking services providers.

Under the agreement, IBM will manage Samlink's infrastructure services across its data center environment, enabling Samlink to focus on core infrastructure technology (IT) banking service activities while benefiting from new IBM services technologies.

IBM will develop and maintain Samlink's IT infrastructure, including mainframe, middleware software, server and storage management services. IBM's next generation services platform provides flexibility for clients to transform and meet the emerging requirements of green IT. IBM will assist Samlink in generating cost efficiencies, while providing improved business flexibility, reliability, availability and security. IBM will provide Samlink with industry-leading service delivery and management processes, tools and expertise. 

"We provide IT and product development services for our clients in the Finnish financial industry. To be successful, our clients need high-quality and cost-efficient services. The partnership with IBM will enable us to raise our services to the next level," said Heikki Sirve, Chief Executive Officer of Samlink. 

"The new outsourcing services contract is designed to help Samlink achieve greater efficiency in their operations by deploying solutions that optimize their IT infrastructure and reduce costs. We will extend beyond current services and focus on providing outsourcing services that enhance the business value of Samlink," said Country General Manager Johan Sandell, IBM Finland. 

The contract was signed in November 2009.

Related Stories

• Barnes & Noble To Release E-Reader App For iPad
• Microsoft has lost its appeal against i4i in Word patent case again
• China warns Google to respect Chinese laws