StarBev Taps IBM to Support Brewing and Distribution Efforts in Central Europe

PRAGUE, Czech Republic, Nov. 16, 2010  StarBev, one of Central Europe's leading breweries, has awarded IBM (NYSE: IBM) a five-year, multi-million euro information Technology (IT) services contract.  

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

StarBev operates in seven countries in Central Europe where it brews and distributes market-leading local brands as well as brands such as Stella Artois, Beck's and Lowenbrau under license from Anheuser-Busch InBev. The company's products are available in more than 30 countries worldwide.

IBM will be responsible for all of StarBev's IT infrastructure services supporting the group's data center, help desk, end user support services, and overall service management requirements for more than 4,000 employees in the region. IBM will centralize IT operations for StarBev within Central Europe by leveraging best in class IT delivery capabilities from one of IBM's Global Delivery Centers in Brno, Czech Republic.  

"IBM offered the best combination of cost savings, service commitments and overall flexibility for StarBev. IBM was able to quickly demonstrate their commitment to our team and key locations in the region. We are excited to grow our business with IBM as one of our strategic partners," said Marcus Johansson, Chief Information Officer, StarBev.

The new service delivery model for StarBev will provide server systems operations, security services and end-user services, including maintenance and monitoring of StarBev dedicated hardware and software systems. The support services utilize "collaborative problem solving" and "defect prevention processes" based on service management standards used by IBM globally, aimed at eliminating downtime and bottlenecks. At StarBev, this flexibility in service delivery is achieved by monitoring infrastructure components and flagging the need for corrective action early in the appropriate process.

"IBM is committed to creating and supporting an environment that is scalable, flexible and secure, while ultimately driving enhanced value for StarBev and its customers throughout Central and Eastern Europe," said Kevin Beatty, Strategic Outsourcing Director, IBM Central and Eastern Europe.  

The contract was signed in September 2010.

About IBM

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

SOURCE IBM