Microsoft outsources IT to Infosys

Software giant Microsoft has outsourced the global management of its internal IT software infrastructure to Indian outsourcer Infosys for the next three years.

In a bizarre move for the Redmond-based software giant, Infosys has been contracted to help Microsoft manage a deployment of enterprise software coded by Microsoft in the first place.

"As part of this managed services agreement, Infosys will streamline implementation processes, simplify support and service, while at the same time lowering the enterprise costs through the use of the latest Microsoft solutions such as Windows 7," Infosys said in a statement, with included no input from its new customer.

Under the agreement , Infosys will provide Microsoft's IT help desk, infrastructure and application support for operations across 104 countries, including Australia.

"I welcome the opportunity to deepen our partnership with Microsoft," said Jackie Korhonen, CEO & MD, Infosys Australia and New Zealand, in a second statement that featured no input from Microsoft.  "This is a powerful endorsement from a savvy consumer of enterprise technology services."

No information was released as to the value of the deal, but Infosys said it was an "outcome-based pricing model" which enables Microsoft to "associate and manage IT costs directly to business variables and demand."

The irony of the deal was not lost on American blogger of all things Microsoft Mary Jo Foley, who said she would have expected "an IT-centric company" like Microsoft to be "well-equipped to manage its own IT operations".

"Who better to deploy and maintain Windows 7 than the company that developed it?" she asked in her blog.

Microsoft has been contacted for comment.