IBM's business process outsourcing operations in Tulsa, Okla., are a boon, anchoring nearly 1,000 employees in the city. The finance and human resources outsourcing agreements signed with energy firms Williams and Marathon Oil are the latest signs that IBM's presence benefits the area.
International Truck and Engine has partnered with IBM Global Services to provide fleet owners with telematics systems that can reduce maintenance costs and provide real-time location information. Fleet managers will be able to receive automatic alerts and regularly generated reports on fleet status.
IBM laid out plans for expanding its on demand program with channel partners at the PartnerWorld conference. CEO Sam Palmisano said that an improved business environment set the stage for tremendous opportunity, as on demand technologies and concepts help companies achieve new levels of growth.
Retailer Target has awarded IBM a 10-year contract to manage the merchant's mainframe IT infrastructure. The agreement establishes a variable, on demand pricing model under which Target will pay only for the IT services it uses.
IBM Business Consulting Services says chief financial officers' roles are changing to become strategic drivers of transformation within the company. Companies need to use technology investments such as ERP systems more efficiently, harness information assets, and improve governance structures.
IBM's new Web services initiative prepares companies for a service-oriented architecture in which business processes are considered alongside technology. At three new IBM design centres worldwide, customers can learn about industry-specific Web services solutions.
What is the future role of the chief financial officer (CFO) and how is it being reshaped by e-business? 'eCFO: Sustaining Value in the New Corporation' answers both these questions.
