Dimension Data, Xstrata $1.2m multi-sourcing deal

Peter Dinham
Monday, 20 April 2009 10:12

Business IT - Technology

Dimension Data has signed a A$1.2 million dollar multi-sourcing contract with Xstrata Technology for the provision of managed services for the company’s unified communications infrastructure.

Dave D’Aprano of Dimension Data said today the two-year contract, with the option for a further two years, includes the provision of implementation and support services for Xstrata Technology’s core infrastructure, including its server, network and IP telephony environment.

Xstrata Technology is part of Xstrata Plc, a global diversified mining company, and is based in Queensland, where it develops, markets and supports technologies for the global mineral processing and metals smelting and refining industries.
 
The deal with Dimension data involves Xstrata Technology moving from a previous outsourced shared services arrangement with Xstrata Zinc and Xstrata Copper to adopt a new outsourcing contract. Since signing the contract in February 2009, Dimension Data’s Dave D’Aprano says it is currently transitioning Xstrata Technology successfully to the new managed services structure.
 
“This engagement comes on the back of Dimension Data’s existing work with Xstrata Technology, in which it implemented new Microsoft Core Technologies and Cisco Unified Communications infrastructure to enable the organisation’s mobile and geographically-spread workforce to communicate better across the business,” D’Aprano said.

Xstrata Technology’s IT manager Peter Hamilton, said the company had made the decision to partner with Dimension Data to roll out a new Microsoft environment and Cisco Unified Communications infrastructure to “enhance the way our mobile workforce communicates and works with the broader Xstrata business. And we needed a serious commitment to keep our vital communications infrastructure running in peak condition, a commitment we found at Dimension Data.”

“Dimension Data was awarded the project for developing a unique adaptive multisource contract to support Xstrata Technology’s journey toward ITIL version 3 maturity. The underpinning contract will provide us with Levels 2, 3 and 4 support to our core Microsoft, Symantec and Cisco infrastructure, and this multisource agreement allows us to consolidate our own communications infrastructure and independently support our global business, and to prepare our business for future growth.”