IBM announced it has a signed a new agreement with Finnish banking and IT solutions provider Samlink to manage the company’s IT infrastructure across its more than 400 branch offices throughout the nation. The 28M euro and five-year agreement follows a previous one between the two companies which goes back to Nov. 2009, where IBM provided Samlink solutions for it to achieve greater efficiency in its center data center operations.

IBM will be responsible for managing overall IT operations and internal workstations for the Finland-based company and its clients, as that includes service kiosks, wireless networks, maintenance, desktop, servers and printers. Moreover, IBM will also develop a cloud-based desktop learning environment for Samlink’s banking clients and their employees.  While more traditional banking system education and training was held PC classrooms, the new cloud learning environment enables employees to take classes and learn from anywhere and any device. This potentially increases convenience and the effectiveness of a class, while providing Samlink’s clients a saleable, faster and more cost effective learning environment.

“After a year-long successful relationship with IBM, we are looking forward to developing this partnership further,” said Heikki Sirve, Chief Executive Officer of Samlink. “IBM has proven its industry expertise and capability to deliver high quality services with its ability to offer innovative solutions, such as cloud, that will help our services add more value to our clients, the Finnish banks.”

“Our partnership with Samlink started one year ago when Samlink’s infrastructure services across its data center environment were transferred to IBM. The objective was to simplify Samlink’s IT infrastructure while increasing its resiliency and efficiency,” said Johan Sandell, Country General Manager, IBM Finland. “The new agreement further demonstrates IBM’s commitment to deliver the highest quality services and the most advanced technologies enabling Samlink to deliver greater value to its clients.”