ASTRAZENECA & IBM SIGN GLOBAL STRATEGIC OUTSOURCING AGREEMENT WORTH $1.7 billion

05-Feb-2001

One of the world's largest pharmaceuticals companies - AstraZeneca - and IBM, the world’s largest information technology company, today announced that they had signed a global strategic outsourcing agreement worth $1.7 billion over seven years. The agreement, covering the provision of IT infrastructure services to 45 countries, is the largest of its kind in the pharmaceuticals industry.

Under this agreement, IBM will provide a range of IT services to AstraZeneca throughout its global organisation. These cover PC Management, network and communications services, including E-Mail, and computer operations support. AstraZeneca will retain control of its IT technical strategy and the development and support of its application systems.

Paul Burfitt, Chief Information Officer of AstraZeneca, said, "Our partnership with IBM will enable AstraZeneca to concentrate the effort of its Information Services (IS) capabilities on such strategic opportunities as e-business and informatics in R&D, and to further encourage added value from IS activities. This partnership will give AstraZeneca access to greater expertise and resource world-wide and will enhance competitive edge. It will also provide additional career and personal development opportunities for IT professionals joining IBM."

Frank Kern, General Manager, Professional Services, IBM Global Services, said, "This alliance joins two world class players. Our combined strengths, global reach and culture will enable AstraZenenca to optimise its global IT infrastructure and create business value. IBM will contribute its proven skills and expertise in leveraging technology. This will ensure a robust IT infrastructure to support AstraZeneca’s fast moving business, allowing the organisation to focus on strategic IS opportunities."

Up to 1200 AstraZeneca staff currently involved in the provision of IT services, principally from the US, UK and Sweden, will transfer to IBM. No redundancies are anticipated.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1155/astrazeneca-ibm-sign-global-strategic-outsourcing-agreement-worth-1-7-billion.html