ACI chooses IBM

ACI Worldwide, an international provider of software for electronic payment systems, has signed an agreement to outsource its IT services to IBM, says TradingMarkets.com.

As part of the agreement, IBM will provide ACI with global infrastructure services, including management of ACI's mainframe, storage and related server platforms, data network monitoring and management, and end-user support services.

ACI will retain responsibility for its security policy management and on-demand business operations. The seven-year agreement is estimated to deliver operating cost savings for ACI of $25 million to $30 million over the course of the contract, providing the company with advanced technology and enhanced service capabilities.

The globalisation of IT outsourcing means a growing number of businesses do not know where their outsourced services are being carried out, it has been claimed.

ihotdesk says a process of "silent offshoring" is taking place as the outsourcing industry matures.

"Most vendors have moved myriad operational functions to the far corners of the globe, often with minimal fanfare, if any," Adam Strichman, senior partner of Nautilus Advisors, told CIO magazine.

The Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) is forming a consortium that will market Philippine-made software overseas, media reports said last week.

According to Xinhuanet, industry officials said the consortium is going to an outsourcing forum in New York this July with hopes of making some deals, Philippine TV network ABS-CBN reported.

Rosario Gruet, a director of the PSIA, said the association is working closely with the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry to sell Filipino software initially as a service, especially with the popularity of offshoring and outsourcing.