IBM signs multi-billion dollar cloud deal with ABN Amro
Mon 1 Dec 2014
IBM has announced a 10-year, multi-billion dollar partnership with ABN Amro, providing the Dutch Bank with computer infrastructure services on its cloud systems.
According to IBM, it will deliver fully managed cloud services for the bank’s global operations, including its mainframe computers, servers, storage, end-user computing, help desk and technical support. The U.S. tech firm did not reveal any financial deals related to the deal.
The partnership includes deployment of an IBM-managed private cloud, as well as the implementation of an increasingly standardised and simplified IT estate.
In November, IBM announced that it had signed a 7-year deal with German Lufthansa, worth €1bn, in which the U.S. company will manage the airline’s complete IT infrastructure.
IBM has struggled with its transformation into a cloud-based computing service from a predominantly enterprise software and consultancy business. IBM reported a notable slowdown in its latest quarterly report and was forced to amend its 2015 operating profits target as a result.
Last month, ABN Amro revealed that it would be cutting staff positions across its branch network and re-invest in improving its online offering as customer demand pushes for online financial management.
Piet Bil, IBM account director for the ABN Amro partnership said that the new deal would drive the bank’s digital strategy, and would ensure that the bank would maintain its position in the market as the industry undergoes a major shift.
“With this agreement we will further speed-up the transformation of ABN Amro enabling the latest technology and services,” said Bil. “Through our continued partnership, ABN Amro will be able to evolve its IT infrastructure with new capabilities that leverage IBM’s investments in cloud, as well as analytics and security.
