Melbourne-based online solutions company, DC123 Group has appointed former EDS executive and NAB, Westpac and Ansett CIO, Michael Coomer as chairman, following the company’s recent launch of its web-based MyRecruitOnline software.

The shock announcement last week by Hewlett-Packard that it will dump its WebOS platform, its HP TouchPad and is seriously considering spinning off its massive PC business has the market in a spin and analysts questioning the wisdom of its strategy. At least some wonder whether HP's contrarian approach of moving out of hardware while other major players are going in the opposite direction will leave the IT giant exposed and vulnerable.

It's safe to say David Caspari (pictured) had a bit of a rough ride when he took the local reins of EDS in October 2008 scant monts after his employer of just one year -- HP -- bought the Texan IT services giant.

HP has agreed to acquire security and compliance management provider ArcSight.

CA Technologies has revamped its Australian management team, appointing a mix of old hands and new recruits to lead its five business units.

Optus has signed a three year contract with HP Enterprise Services (formerly EDS) for outsourcing of several  key applications including customer billing, data warehouse and other core systems.

Despite being dropped from the Australian Tax Office shortlist to provide outsourced end-user services, HP Enterprise Services and Kaz are likely to still enjoy a prosperous post-Gershon period within the federal government, according to consultants Ovum.

Another grand old name in the IT industry bites the dust. EDS is being renamed.

IT outsourcing services continue to be in demand from Australian businesses looking for cost efficiencies in the economic downturn, with a combination of onshore, nearshore and offshore outsourcing delivery models from vendors expected to be more prevalent as the market matures.

Amidst a decline in revenues afflicting the PC market in the economic downturn, only Apple amongst all the vendors managed some growth in the first quarter of this year, thanks to triple-digit growth in revenue from sales of its iPhone.