Telstra Renews Services Agreement With IBM Until 2014
Telstra announced today that it has extended its information technology (IT) operations and services agreement with IBM
As Australia's leading telecommunications provider, Telstra runs the nation's largest non-government IT infrastructure. IBM builds and manages Telstra's servers, software and systems in this complex environment. As part of the new services agreement, IBM will move to improve operational delivery while simplifying and streamlining server builds for Telstra, including:
-- Implementing a standard set of processes and tools across more than
3000 servers
-- Adopting a "factory" approach, featuring standardised, repeatable
processes, to build and configure new servers for Telstra.
-- Defining standard processes, procedures, tools, forms and work
products for each phase of a server build
-- Implementing streamlined documentation requirements in the areas of
design, approvals and changes
-- Implementing a consistent server base state for application on-
boarding
The streamlined approach will deploy a more consistent IT platform across the whole of Telstra's IT infrastructure, and will result in reduced costs and improved efficiencies. It will also provide increased automation of Telstra's IT systems, allowing for improved levels of monitoring, patching and remote management. Other benefits include:
-- Streamlined documentation requirements -- Quicker application deployments -- More efficient execution of complex IT projects
John McInerney, Telstra CIO and Group Managing Director of IT said, "We have a long and proud association with IBM. We consider them to be a strategic partner and are confident that this agreement will continue to add value to Telstra's infrastructure operations and delivery."
"This is a significant agreement for IBM as it builds on our strong relationship of more than 20 years," said IBM Managing Director - Telstra Account, Mr. David Burns.
"Both teams (IBM and Telstra) have collaborated closely in the design of this new agreement and we are excited to be embarking on a new way of working with Telstra," he added. "The new agreement is a great opportunity for us to build on the work we have been doing in this area, combining the IBM software tools suite and IBM's depth of technical knowledge to provide Telstra with a highly efficient IT environment."
The agreement was signed in May. ABOUT TELSTRA
Telstra is Australia's leading telecommunications and information services company, with one of the best known brands in the country. It offers a full range of products and services and competes in all telecommunications markets throughout Australia, providing 9.4 million fixed line services and 9.2 million mobile services. Telstra is Australia's 3G market leader, with 4.4 million 3G customers. Telstra is the second largest full-service provider in New Zealand and the leading mobile operator in Hong Kong. It has a controlling stake in China's leading real estate and home furnishing web site, SouFun and in June 2008, acquired 55% of two Chinese internet businesses, Norstar Media and Autohome/PCPop, with leading positions in the online auto and digital device advertising sectors.
Telstra's national media enquiries number is 1 300 768 780 and the Telstra Media Centre is located at www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/media.
ABOUT IBM For more information about IBM, please visit www.ibm.com/services. IBM Media Contact: Connie Klimko IBM Media Relations Ph: 041 966 5753cklimko@au1.ibm.com Aliza Fischer IBM Media Relations Ph: 917-472-3721afische@us.ibm.com
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: afische@us.ibm.com
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk,
SOURCE: IBM
CONTACT: Connie Klimko, IBM Media Relations, +041-966-5753,
Web Site: http://www.ibm.com/