IT firms vie for ATP contract

Denmark's largest pension fund company, ATP, has expressed a desire to outsource its internal IT management and back-office works to Indian service providers, states Business Standard.

It is understood to have issued request for proposals for technology upgrade and support works worth over $500 million. Most Indian IT outsourcing companies, including Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Technologies, Wipro, HCL and L&T Infotech, have responded, according to sources privy to the development.

The contract, according to the sources, include two different components - one for mainframe and IT infrastructure support and management, which includes setting up and managing of data centres, and the second one is for hosting SAP services, with complete maintenance and environmental support.

Victoria's Department of Justice in Australia has set plans to recruit senior IT staff as it attempts to boost its restructured IT department, says ZDNet Australia.

The department revealed it has formed a technology services division within its ranks, dubbed Knowledge Information and Technology Services.

In a report by the state ombudsman, it was found that Victoria Police's IT division had a "disregard for proper procurement and contract management", which saw contracts fail to go to tender.

The Shared Services and Outsourcing Network (SSON) has partnered with the International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM), reports Sys-Con Media.

SSON and IACCM will host conferences in the US and Europe to unite professionals involved in shared services and outsourcing with those in contract and commercial management.

Tim Cummins, president and CEO, IACCM, says: “In these tough economic times, we have found a way not only to safeguard the value of attendees' marketing investments, but in fact to ensure a substantial increase in range and outreach.”