TelstraClear, a voice and data company in New Zealand, and IBM announced today a multi-million dollar, three-year agreement in which IBM will manage critical maintenance and support services for TelstraClear's Next IP Network. IBM will also provide TelstraClear with architectural leadership, regression testing capabilities and quality assurance around implementations of new services and equipment.

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"TelstraClear's Next IP Network is a core piece of infrastructure for us and key to the successful operation of our business. We are pleased to be able to access the expertise and global capability of a company like IBM to help us to keep it running at optimal performance," said Andrew Crabb, TelstraClear's Head of Networks and Services.

TelstraClear will continue to manage maintenance and support for basic issues and faults relating to its 5,300 miles of fiber cable in New Zealand. IBM will leverage its global expertise to help resolve situations where detailed troubleshooting and analysis methods are required.

"The agreement with TelstraClear is a great example of IBM's ability to leverage its global capabilities and expertise to benefit a local New Zealand client," said Greg Farmer, General Manager of Global Technology Services for IBM New Zealand. "Our deep expertise in the telecommunications industry, together with our very strong partnerships with and knowledge of both the Juniper and Extreme product sets, have enabled us to offer TelstraClear a compelling solution that will deliver both innovation and operational efficiencies."

IBM currently provides similar services to TelstraClear's parent company in Australia, Telstra Corporation. The support model being implemented locally will ensure strategic alignment between TelstraClear and Telstra Corporation and deliver immediate financial and operational benefits for TelstraClear.

  The contract between IBM and TelstraClear was signed in March 2010.

  About TelstraClear

TelstraClear is a New Zealand voice and data company, providing innovative market leading products, services and customer focus to the business, government, wholesale and residential sectors. TelstraClear is wholly owned by Telstra Corporation Limited, Australia's largest telecommunications company. For more information, please visit www.telstraclear.co.nz.

  About IBM

  For more information, please visit www.ibm.com/nz.




  Media Contacts
  Chris Mirams
  Communications Manager
  TelstraClear
  Phone: +64 9 912 4943
  Mobile: +64 29 912 4943

  Courtney Allen
  Media Relations
  IBM New Zealand
  Phone: +64 9 359 8462
  Mobile: +64 21 220 6781
  E-mail: courta@nz1.ibm.com

  Tara Sucato
  Media Relations
  IBM U.S.
  Phone: +1 917-472-3701
  E-mail: tjsucato@us.ibm.com

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

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SOURCE: IBM