Zurich outsources IT service to CSC as part of efficiency drive

Zurich Financial Services has agreed a £200 million IT outsourcing contract that will affect workers in seven of the firm's largest markets.

The six-year deal with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) will encompass 51,000 users and provide cost efficiency savings in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Spain.

CSC will deliver several desktop services including local on-site support and software packaging and distribution.

CSC chairman, president and chief executive officer Michael W Laphen, said: "[The deal] will provide Zurich's businesses with access to innovative technology and services and bring new levels of efficiency in support of Zurich's global IT strategy."

Recent research by TPI shows a 20 per cent annual rise in the value of global outsourcing contracts during the first three months this year.

Forrester also found that UK firms sealed IT outsourcing deals worth £3.8 billion last year, almost half of the total European figure.