IBM today announced it has signed a five-year information technology (IT) professional services agreement with Amtrak. Through the agreement, IBM will provide IT support to Amtrak focusing on improving the quality of service to Amtrak's 19,000 employees and over 28.7 million passengers nationwide.

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Amtrak awarded the contract to IBM to provide data center services including mainframe, mid-range server, security services, asset management and help desk and desktop support services for 10,000 workstations nationwide. IBM will support the infrastructure for Amtrak's reservation system as well as the corporation's entire computing infrastructure from delivery centers in the United States. The volume of tickets processed in Amtrak's reservation system via the Web, telephone, and ticket counter channels, makes it one of the largest systems of its kind in the rail industry.

"IBM's strong record of delivery excellence for Amtrak has allowed them to reduce operational costs and increase productivity while focusing on their core business and customers," said Steve Welsh, IBM Global Technology Services, vice president, Travel and Transportation Industry. IBM is pleased to continue working with Amtrak to delivery high-quality services that support its customers and employees."

The agreement was signed on June 30, 2009 and continues a long-standing relationship between IBM and Amtrak, dating back to 1994.

IBM has worked with the world's leading railroads on mission critical projects for more than 50 years. The company recently opened a new Global Rail Innovation Center that brings together the world's foremost industry leaders, researchers and universities to develop smarter rail systems around the globe.

About Amtrak

Amtrak has posted six consecutive years of growth in ridership and revenue, carrying more than 28.7 million passengers in the last fiscal year. Amtrak provides intercity passenger rail service to more than 500 destinations in 46 states on a 21,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and information, passengers may call 800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak.com.

About IBM

For more information on IBM Global Technology Services, visit www.ibm.com/services. For more information on IBM's work with leading rail networks around the world, go to: http://www.ibm.com/ibm/ideasfromibm/us/smartplanet/topics/smarterrailroads/200 90511/index.shtml.

  Media Contacts:
  Jen Knecht
  IBM Communications
  (917) 472-3607
  knechtj@us.ibm.com

  Matt Berry
  IBM Communications
  (914) 766-1715
  mhberry@us.ibm.com

  Amtrak Media Relations
  (202) 906-3860

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: knechtj@us.ibm.com

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SOURCE: IBM