IBM Signs Technology Services Agreement with The Hartford to Support Business Initiatives

ARMONK, N.Y., April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) and The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) announced today a new five-year technology services agreement to help The Hartford simplify and transform its technology infrastructure. The partnership is part of The Hartford's companywide effort to become a more cost-efficient and customer-focused organization.

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In an effort to improve flexibility and efficiency, The Hartford will transition its virtual desktop environment to IBM's Smart Business Desktop Cloud solution. This will provide a centralized, virtual desktop cloud for The Hartford's employees, improving performance and offering anytime, anywhere access to the company's internal network of email, applications and more.

"Our goal is to simplify core processes and operating mechanisms throughout the organization as we work to become a more customer-centric and efficient company," said Jim Eckerle, executive vice president, Strategic Initiatives & Technology at The Hartford. "This technology transformation is another step forward in positioning The Hartford to compete more successfully in the future."  

As part of this agreement signed in January 2011, IBM will continue to manage The Hartford's data center operations and create a more efficient IT platform by virtualizing its server network at IBM's Boulder, Colo. facility and The Hartford's own center in Hartford, Conn.  In addition, IBM will install a zEnterprise System to support the development and accessibility of key business applications for global users.

"IBM will leverage cross-company capabilities from research engineers and financial services experts to provide The Hartford the technologies and smarter processes it needs to streamline its IT operations," said Maureen Sweeny, general manager, Financial Services Sector at IBM. "In collaboration with The Hartford, IBM will help transform the company's complex computing environment into a more simplified model."

Today's announcement is another example of how IBM Global Services teams with its clients to solve business problems and help them capitalize on new opportunities. Clients today are looking to IT service providers for more than just cost cutting. Global clients need help finding ways to better leverage IT into their business to stimulate growth and prepare for the future. By tightly weaving together business insights, an industry-leading software portfolio, world-class technology research and operations expertise, IBM is redefining what it means to design, deploy and deliver IT services on a global scale. As a result, IBM Global Services clients achieve faster return on investment while freeing up resources to focus on innovative projects.

There will be no job impacts at The Hartford as a result of this new agreement with IBM.

About IBM

For more information, please visit www.ibm.com/services.

About The Hartford

Celebrating 200 years of helping its customers achieve what's ahead, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance and wealth management company. Through its unique focus on customer needs, the company serves businesses and consumers by providing the products and solutions they need to protect their assets and income from risks and manage their wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 100 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

SOURCE IBM