IBM signs £796m deal to handle WPP’s global technology platform
IBM and WPP have inked a deal which will see the tech giant take the major ad agency’s digital services into the cloud.
This new partnership includes a seven-year, $1.25bn (£796m) services contract for IBM to transform and manage WPP’s global technology platform.
“As the world’s largest communications group, we are seeking to exploit IBM’s cloud computing expertise to allow us to innovate and add value to both the service and the product we deliver to clients across 111 countries,” said Robin Dargue, WPP Group chief information officer.
IBM will provide a service delivery and technology platform that allows WPP to integrate its operations, as well as being able to expand its use of analytics and big data to help drive decision making and amplify the creative process.
The technology company suggested the move will also allow WPP to increase communication and collaboration across its multiple brands.
“This announcement is a significant milestone in the deployment of enterprise cloud and extends IBM’s position as the premier global cloud platform,” said Erich Clementi, senior vice president of IBM global technology services. “Our secure, open enterprise cloud platform will enable WPP to quickly deliver new innovations to their customers.”
This move builds on a long-term relationship held between WPP and IBM.