IBM opens second IT services centre

IBM has opened a $10.8 million IT services centre in Victoria that will serve as one of two delivery hubs for its global technology services business.

The centre will add 300 jobs to the Ballarat area, Big Blue said in a statement.

It joins an existing delivery centre that already employs 800 people, the company said.

The new facility would offer ICT services including remote technical support, e-security, business processing, ICT support and consulting for IBM's global operations.

It would service clients across Australia, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the US.

"The opening of this new facility is an exciting evolution of our investment in Victoria and Ballarat, and presents a great opportunity for our clients to take advantage of our growing services capability in Australia," said Peter Campbell, general manager of IBM Global Technology Services A/NZ.

In opening the centre, Victorian Premier John Brumby said it would "further establish Victoria as a world-class information and computer technology hub.

"The Victorian Government is proud to have provided $5 million from our successful Regional Infrastructure Development Fund to support this exciting project," Brumby said.