Xstrata Technology signs $1.5m deal with DiData

This includes its server, network and IP telephony with an option to extend to five years.

The contract will provide support levels 2, 3 and 4 to Xtrata Techology's Microsoft, Symantec and Cisco infrastructure, aligned to ITIL version 3.

Peter Hamilton IT manager Xstrata Technology said the company understands the value of having business-enhancing systems, and made the decision to partner with DiData to roll out a Microsoft environment and Cisco UC infrastructure to enhance the way its mobile workforce communicates with one another.

"We needed a serious commitment to keep our vital communications infrastructure running in peak condition, a commitment we found at Dimension Data," he said.

"The underpinning contract will provide us with Levels 2, 3 and 4 support to our core Microsoft, Symantec and Cisco infrastructure.

"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," added Hamilton.

Xstrata Technology moved from a previous outsourced shared services arrangement with Xstrata Zinc and Xstrata Copper to adopt an outsourcing contract with DiData.

Since signing the contract in February 2009, it is transitioning Xstrata Technology to its managed services structure.

 "This is a significant deal for us because it is a continuation of moving clients from first and second generation outsourcing where they are looking to retain control of the environment and looking for partners that have bigger levels of skills in the areas that they want to outsource," said Dave D'Aprano, national solutions and services director.

"First and second generation outsourcing was all about outsourcing big players then they sub contracted out a lot of skills.

"In this scenario, Xstrata Technology  was interested in the level of skills we have and what we were going to deliver on the contract.

"They were looking for proof points on how we were going to manage their network and exchange environment. They were interested in our technical skills and our capabilities in that space

"From a channel perspective, it plays to channel partners that invest in building that level of technological competence which is what the client is looking for. Whereas, in the past it was very much about size, how big you were as an outsourcer.

"This was more about talking to us about the team of people we are going to be working with," he added.

Xstrata Technology is based in Queensland, and develops, markets and supports technologies for mineral processing and metals smelting and refining industries, with over 100 staff at sites in Australia, South Africa, Canada and Chile.