LONDON, Dec. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it is building on its long-term relationship with WPP, the world's largest communications services group. The agreement will enable WPP to innovate new digital services that will be run and managed within a global hybrid cloud infrastructure.

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As part of the agreement, IBM will provide a service delivery and technology platform that allows WPP to integrate its operations while delivering significantly improved productivity. The new flexible hybrid cloud infrastructure will enable the company to:

    --  Expand the use of big data and analytics to drive decision making and
        amplify the creative process
    --  Continue to build its leadership in a digital and mobile world
    --  Enhance its ability to more quickly deploy new products and services
    --  Foster greater horizontal communication and collaboration across its
        multiple brands.

This new strategic partnership includes a seven-year, $1.25-billion services contract for IBM to transform and manage WPP's global technology platform.

"As the world's largest communications group, we are seeking to exploit IBM's cloud computing expertise to allow us to innovate and add value to both the service and the product we deliver to clients across 111 countries," said Robin Dargue, WPP Group CIO.

"This announcement is a significant milestone in the deployment of enterprise cloud and extends IBM's position as the premier global cloud platform," said Erich Clementi, Senior Vice President, IBM Global Technology Services. "Our secure, open enterprise cloud platform will enable WPP to quickly deliver new innovations to their customers."

About IBM Cloud Computing
IBM is the global leader in open enterprise cloud enabling secure data and infrastructure integration in the cloud. For more information about cloud offerings from IBM, visit http://www.ibm.com/cloud. Follow us on Twitter at @IBMcloud and on our blog at www.thoughtsoncloud.com. Join the conversation #ibmcloud.

About WPP
WPP is the world's largest communications services group with billings in 2013 of US$72.3 billion and revenues of US$17.3 billion. Through its operating companies, the Group provides a comprehensive range of advertising and marketing services including advertising & media investment management; data investment management; public relations & public affairs; branding & identity; healthcare communications; direct, digital, promotion & relationship marketing and specialist communications. The company employs nearly 175,000 people (including associates) in over 3,000 offices across 111 countries. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.

Contacts:
Mike Azzi
IBM Media Relations, US
Phone: +1 914 766 1561
Email: azzi@us.ibm.com

Emma Bennett
IBM Media Relations, UK
Phone: +44 (0)7976839109
Email: emma.bennett@uk.ibm.com

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SOURCE IBM

SOURCE: IBM