EDB ERGO 
By (Oslo, 16 January 2012) Aibel has signed an agreement with EDB ErgoGroup for the delivery of core IT operating services, LAN/WAN operations, and application operations for a number of office support functions. The agreement runs for five years, and represents initial contract value of approximately NOK 265 million.
In addition, the agreement includes options to extend for two years and a number of other supplementary options.
During the period of the agreement, EDB ErgoGroup will deliver IT operating services as a capacity service, which means that Aibel will purchase its IT infrastructure requirements as a cloud-based service (IaaS). EDB ErgoGroup will also deliver a user platform that will give Aibel's employees full access to all the essential programs as well as more than 200 specialist applications. This solution will be based on a virtual desktop interface (VDI) for almost 5,000 Aibel employees around the world. EDB ErgoGroup will also provide 24/7 helpdesk services for Aibel's global organisation, with a local presence at a number of Aibel's major locations.
Through this agreement, Aibel will have a supplier that takes over all responsibility for the operation of its entire IT portfolio. This ensures that the client has a single line of contact and a single meeting point for the management and follow-up of IT deliveries (a centralised SPOC function). In addition, EDB ErgoGroup will take over responsibility for operations and management of the client's Domino/Notes platform and its SAP operations. These are two areas where EDB ErgoGroup has particularly extensive expertise and experience.
"Aibel now has an IT supplier that can join us in developing our use of IT in the growth phase we are currently experiencing. EDB ErgoGroup proved willing to accept the risk involved in this kind of major development project", comments Edgar Edh, Vice President Processes and IT at Aibel. He goes on to add that Aibel is gaining a committed and sound partner in EDB ErgoGroup that offers a broad range of services. Finding a supplier with a local presence for the company's major locations was also an important factor for Aibel.
"This agreement represents a really state-of-the-art platform, where we are basing the entire service on virtual solutions designed for the cloud computing of the future. This means that users will access a central «image». Aibel will have streamlined, speedy and secure access to its applications from PCs, mobile devices and tablets, and this will include access to intensive specialist applications", explains Thorolf Thorstensen, Head of Global IT Operations at EDB ErgoGroup.
Thorolf Thorstensen goes on to say: "This will be an exciting and important collaboration for EDB ErgoGroup. Aibel is a leading engineering company that delivers services to the oil and gas industry as well as the renewable energy sector. Through this agreement, EDB ErgoGroup strengthens its already sound position in the Norwegian offshore segment".
About EDB ErgoGroup:
ErgoGroup ASA is one of the leading Nordic IT companies, with some 10,000 employees and annual turnover of around NOK 12 billion. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and operates from headquarters in Oslo, with major activities in both the Norwegian and Swedish markets. In all, the company operates from 100 offices in the Nordic countries. See www.edbergogroup.no:
http://www.edbergogroup.no
About Aibel:
Aibel AS is a leading service company that works within the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors. The company has almost 5,000 employees working in Norway and internationally, both onshore and offshore. With eight locations in Norway, Aibel operates close to its customers. In addition to its activities in Norway, Aibel operates in Thailand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Egypt. See www.aibel.com:
http://www.aibel.com/
Contact names:
Terje Mjøs, CEO, EDB ErgoGroup. Tel: + 47 06500
Geir Remman, SVP Corporate Communications, EDB ErgoGroup. Tel: + 47 970 55 017
Bjørg Sandal, SVP Communications, Aibel. Tel: +47 48 86 87 26
The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the
information contained therein.
Source: EDB ErgoGroup ASA via Thomson Reuters ONE
