Enterprise IT vendor IBM today announced its $500 million Cloud deal with The Hartford.
As part of the Cloud deal, IBM will supply its PureFlex System and a number of other services related to mainframe, storage, backup and resiliency.
The main focus of the contract is to implement a new service model that includes a private cloud infrastructure.
The Hartford will define the services it requires, and IBM will be responsible for the solution and delivery of those services as per the six-year technology services agreement, said IBM.
The Hartford’s strategy is to drive profitable growth and increase operational effectiveness as it continues to focus on its property and casualty, group benefits and mutual funds businesses. It has already committed to invest in IT to improve productivity and efficiency.
Andy Napoli, president of Consumer Markets and Enterprise Business Services at The Hartford, said: “The partnership with IBM will help The Hartford implement a strategic technology infrastructure that will provide us with greater agility and offer us more flexibility and transparency as we continue to grow our businesses.”
Philip Guido, general manager, IBM Global Technology Services, North America, said: “Clients are looking for IT partners who can understand and help drive their business with a focus on innovation and delivering business outcomes, not just IT efficiency.”
66 percent of organizations are using cloud to strengthen the relationship between IT and lines of business, and the majority are using cloud to integrate and apply mobile, social, analytics and Big Data technologies, according to an IBM study.
Meanwhile, The Hartford and IBM will undertake a project that will leverage the expertise of both firms, market insights and research to build new business models and competitive capabilities that will enhance The Hartford’s ability to anticipate and meet the needs of customers and agents.