Downer EDI hands IT systems to HP

Infrastructure giant Downer EDI has outsourced its IT infrastructure to HP for six years.

The company today revealed plans to standardise on a single data centre, operating system and network.

It currently had eight data centres, five data networks, 36 operating systems and "a number" of email systems.

Downer chief Grant Fenn said the deal would transform the company's IT infrastructure.

"Under this agreement with HP, we will move from the current fragmented and inefficient model to a single data centre, operating system and network," Fenn said.

"This will reduce risk, improve performance and provide high quality support for our growing business needs.

"It will enable common systems and processes which support a single face to our customers and deliver cost savings as part of our Fit 4 Business program."

Fenn said there would be a "four month transition period before Downer formally hands over to HP".

Further comment was being sought on the deal.