Nokia Signs IT Helpdesk and Desktop Support Deal With IBM

HELSINKI, Finland & ARMONK, N.Y. -- Jan. 16, 2004 /Wi-Fi Technology News/- Nokia, the world's leader in mobile communications, and IBM have signed an IT services agreement under which IBM will globally run IT Helpdesk operations as well as manage and develop Nokia's desktop IT environment towards a more resilient model embracing advanced technologies and ongoing innovations.

The IT services agreement is valued at approximately 200 million Euros over a five-year period. As part of this agreement around 430 people will join IBM from Nokia in 36 countries. The services under the agreement will be delivered in 57 countries.

"We have chosen to outsource the management of our desktop IT environment as part of an initiative to focus on core Business Infrastructure and IT activities and to improve service flexibility and cost efficiency, enabling a higher level of business agility. This agreement ensures that we benefit from IBM's latest technologies for our businesses through on-demand services," said Gordon Jack, vice president, Business Infrastructure, Nokia.

"IBM sees this agreement with Nokia as a significant extension of our relationship with a valued customer," said Peter Holland, general manager, service delivery, IBM Global Services. "IBM's Workplace on demand solutions will enable us to further develop the desktop infrastructure technologies together with Nokia to benefit its transformation to a variable desktop services model. These services offer a way in which business customers can maintain equipment from desktops to mobile devices with consumption based pricing."

The agreement is subject to competition authorities' approval.

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and secure products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges.

About IBM Global Services
IBM Global Services is the world's largest information technology services and consulting provider, generating over $36 billion in 2002. Approximately 180,000 professionals serve customers in over 160 countries, providing the entire spectrum of customers' e-business needs -- from the business transformation and industry expertise of IBM Business Consulting Services to hosting, infrastructure, technology design and training services. IBM Global Services delivers integrated, flexible and resilient processes -- across companies and through business partners -- that enable customers to maximize the opportunities of an on-demand business environment.