IBM and partner Integr8 IT have been awarded a contract to manage information technology (IT) services for Gold Fields, one of South Africa`s precious metals producers.
Building on a longstanding relationship between the two companies, the new contract sees IBM assume responsibility of the entire IT systems of Gold Fields` South African operations.
The deal has two elements involving a contract duration extension and a widening of scope. In terms of the newly scoped five-year contract, IBM will provide Gold Fields with server systems, desktop, network and call centre services.
Under the one year extended contract, IBM will provide the infrastructure services along with applications management and support, through to 2010.
IBM will work with business partner Integr8 IT, a network integration and information and communications technology infrastructure management specialist company, which will provide site services technical support and management as well as advisory and consulting services under a joint delivery model with IBM.
The IBM and Integr8 IT solution utilises tools that will transform and standardise Gold Fields` IT environment along industry best practice, establishing a stable and flexible environment that enables easy integration of systems for new acquisitions. It will help Gold Fields gain more control over its IT costs, enhance service provision and realise efficiencies as the company focuses on growing its core business. In addition, Gold Fields employees who transfer as part of the agreement will benefit from training, certification and career growth opportunities that will allow them to realise their full potential as part of a dedicated IT company.
"The new agreement further strengthens our longstanding relationship with IBM, which has been a worthy partner in our drive to transform and optimise our IT systems in support of our company`s objectives to grow the core business," says Tom Fowler, Chief Information Officer for Gold Fields.
"IBM, with business partner Integr8 IT, provides Gold Fields with IT services to help the company transform and align its business for maximum efficiency as it seeks innovative ways to grow its international footprint. Importantly, Gold Fields is further assured of unrivalled global delivery support as IBM boasts an extensive intellectual capital resource which is available globally," says Mteto Nyati, Director of Global Technology Services for IBM South Africa.
"The combination of our refined managed services model and proven experience within the rapidly expanding critical ICT services market has helped us to differentiate the company in line with the objectives of this industry alliance. We are committed to our role in this partnership with IBM and Gold Fields going forward, which is a partnership based on the key understanding of the difference that strategic technology infrastructure investment can make alongside effective application of people, processes and product to add measurable value to Gold Fields and its shareholders," says Integr8 IT joint-MD Lance Fanaroff.
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