IBM Manages IT Infrastructure for Samlink

IBM will manage the information technology (IT) infrastructure for Samlink’s more than 400 bank branch offices across Finland.

Both companies signed a five-year, EURO 28 million agreement to this end. In November 2009, IBM (News - Alert) signed an IT deal with Samlink that allowed the latter to enjoy greater efficiency in its data center operations.

Under this new agreement, IBM will be responsible for managing overall IT operations and internal workstations for Samlink and its clients. In addition, IBM will also develop a desktop cloud solution that offers a flexible learning environment for Samlink's Finnish banking clients.

IBM notes that till date education within the banking system has been provided in a fixed personal computer (PC) classroom. Things have changed now and thanks to the new desktop cloud-based learning environment, banking employees can take classes from any device at any location.

This alliance means good news for Samlink's clients as the new cloud-based learning environment provides a scalable, faster and cost effective learning environment.

"After a year-long successful relationship with IBM, we are looking forward to developing this partnership further," said Heikki Sirve, chief executive officer of Samlink, in a press release. "IBM has proven its industry expertise and capability to deliver high quality services with its ability to offer innovative solutions, such as cloud, that will help our services add more value to our clients, the Finnish banks."

"Our partnership with Samlink started one year ago when Samlink's infrastructure services across its data center environment were transferred to IBM. The objective was to simplify Samlink's IT infrastructure while increasing its resiliency and efficiency," said Johan Sandell (News - Alert), Country general manager of IBM Finland, in a statement. "The new agreement further demonstrates IBM's commitment to deliver the highest quality services and the most advanced technologies enabling Samlink to deliver greater value to its clients."

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