SYDNEY, Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the signing of a new five-year infrastructure services agreement with The Westpac Group, which marks a key step in Westpac's technology transformation program. The new contract builds on the stability and efficiency gains of the landmark outsourcing agreement between the two organizations signed in 2000.

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Peter Campbell, General Manager for IBM Global Technology Services in Australia & New Zealand, said, "Today's announcement signals IBM's continued commitment to enabling Westpac to become a market leader in technology enablement over the next five years. IBM's deep understanding of Westpac's business, coupled with our proven capability in delivering robust and flexible IT infrastructure solutions will enable the bank to maintain its focus on customers, people and productivity."

IBM will hold prime responsibility for the operation of the bank's key infrastructure services including services related to Westpac's new data center, mainframe, midrange, storage, desktop, print and security operations. The contract is built around improving service quality for bank staff and customers, lowering risk, increasing cost control and supporting Westpac's business agility.

"Westpac is pleased to continue to work closely with IBM as we transform our technology environment allowing us to introduce exciting new capabilities for our staff and customers," said, Bob McKinnon, Group Executive, Technology, Westpac Group. "Over the past two years, IBM and Westpac have worked closely together to improve system reliability and improve the customer experience. This new contract will enable us to sustain and build on those joint successes as we continue to leverage IBM's expertise, technology and knowledge of Westpac."

Glen Boreham, IBM Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, said, "IBM's relationship with Westpac has played a key role in the success of our local business over the last 10 years. This new agreement reinforces the quality and strength of our capability and the global expertise that IBM can offer to Australian businesses."

The contract was signed in New York on November 19, 2010 with Westpac CEO Gail Kelly and IBM Chairman and CEO Samuel J Palmisano present.

About The Westpac Group

Please visit www.westpac.com.au for more information

About IBM

Please visit www.ibm.com/services for more information.

    Contact(s):
    Matt Mollett
    IBM A/NZ Media Relations
    +61 413 420 394
    mollett@au1.ibm.com

SOURCE IBM Corporation