IBM today announced that it has signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with Qwest Communications for management of the company's information technology (IT) operations. This is an extension of an existing IT operations contract that was signed in 2003.

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As part of the agreement, IBM will continue to manage Qwest's data centers, mainframe and midrange servers, storage, back-up and recovery services. The new contract is focused on delivery of more cost effective and flexible services, access to technology innovation, and reduction of risk. The services provided by IBM will enable Qwest to generate further cost savings and help the company perfect the customer experience through greater reliability and availability in Qwest's IT infrastructure.

This agreement represents a continued long-term relationship between the two companies.

  The new contract was signed in December 2009.

  About Qwest Business

Qwest Business is a choice of 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies, offering a comprehensive portfolio of data and voice networking communications solutions to enterprises, government agencies and educational institutions of all sizes. The Qwest network covers the entire continental United States and has one of the largest fiber footprints in the U.S., capable of supporting 40Gbps data transmission rates now and 100 Gbps soon. Go to Qwest.com/business to see why enterprises coast to coast rely on Qwest for first-class communications solutions and to learn more about Qwest's commitment to perfecting the customer experience.

  About IBM
  For more information please visit:  http://www.ibm.com/services.



  Media Contacts
  Sarah Spencer
  IBM Corporation
  scspence@us.ibm.com
  (917) 472-3728

  Carolyn Tyler
  Qwest Corporate Communications
  Carolyn.Tyler@qwest.com
  (303) 896-8092

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

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SOURCE: IBM