Maersk Line World’s Largest Shipping Company Signs $150 Million-plus Data Center Services Agreement with HP.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Press Release: 

PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 23, 2011

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Hewlett-Packard Denmark today announced Maersk Line, the largest global shipping company, has signed a $150 million-plus infrastructure services agreement that will support the shipper’s global growth strategy.

Under the five-year agreement, HP will help Maersk Line become an Instant-On Enterprise by using HP’s cloud-enabled data centers and HP Workplace Services to optimize its technology infrastructure.

“Maersk Line operates in a competitive global industry that demands innovation to create the agile technology infrastructure we need to be a leader among our peers,” said Adam Gade, chief information officer, Maersk Line. “HP’s global scope combined with its proven expertise in standardizing technology across large enterprises will help us deliver greater value to our business and support our ability to remain the world’s most reliable container shipping company.”

HP will create a private cloud computing environment for distributed and local applications using HP Cloud Computing Solutions. This secure environment creates a flexible, agile technology infrastructure that allows Maersk Line to stay ahead of changing business needs and strengthen its ability to compete globally.

In addition, HP will take over the Service Desk function at Maersk Line and deliver Workplace Services to maintain the company’s computing devices, such as desktop and notebook PCs, for almost 38,000 users in more than 100 countries. As part of the agreement, HP will offer employment to all Maersk Line staff within these areas.

HP will provide support and monitoring for Maersk Line using its flexible and scalable delivery model from global locations that use standardized processes for cost-effective support.

“As a global leader in its industry, Maersk Line is driving significant change in its markets and needs a reliable technology foundation to support these efforts,” said Mike Nefkens, senior vice president and general manager, Enterprise Services – Europe, Middle East and Africa, HP. “To help achieve the company’s global strategy, HP will apply its cloud computing expertise and experience in managing complex technology environments enabling internal IT leaders to expand support.”

HP currently supplies Maersk Line other technology and support services as well as hardware, such as servers, storage, networking equipment and PCs.

HP is working with Maersk Line on its Instant-On Enterprise journey, helping the company provide improved service to its customers. The Instant-On Enterprise embeds technology in everything it does to serve customers, employees, partners and citizens with whatever they need, instantly.

Customers can learn more about how organizations can get started on Instant-On Enterprise journeys by attending HP’s premier client event, HP DISCOVER, Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 in Vienna, Austria. 

About Maersk Line

Maersk Line, the global containerized division of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, is dedicated to delivering the highest level of customer-focused and reliable ocean transportation services. Our vision, built from a strong heritage of uprightness, constant care, and innovation, has guided our business operations since the first Maersk Line vessel sailed in 1904. By remaining committed to that vision we have expanded our business to become the world’s largest ocean carrier. And we are consistently recognized as the most reliable container shipping company. Visit http://www.maerskline.com for more information.   

Denmark: Danish operators team on NFC.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesús.

Denmark’s four major operators – TDC, Telenor, TeliaSonera and 3 – have created a joint venture to bring Near Field Communication (NFC) services to market

 The interoperable service is intended to enable the creation of a ‘digital wallet’ in the country, with rollout expected to start this autumn. However, the group admits that progress will depend on the widespread availability of NFC-compatible handsets and takeup from retailers. 

According to various reports, the group claims that "everything we currently physically have in our wallet or purse will soon be available digitally on our SIM card as ordinary everyday functions on our mobiles.” 

Consumers will be able to use their mobiles to pay for goods, services and travel, at a discount if digital coupons are available, and also open doors at hotels or borrow a book at the library, according to the operators' vision of the future. 

For users, the operators working together will mean that they can switch from one to the other and still bring their wallet with them, the operators said. The Danish plan echoes recent previous efforts from operators in the UK and US, demonstrating that interoperable NFC is beginning to become a realistic proposition across the world.

As well as operators, mobile giants such as Apple and Google are getting in on the NFC game.

 Earlier this week Google chairman Eric Schmidt said he believes one-third of all restaurants and retail outlets will allow for mobile payments within the next year, a number that should be enough for widespread adoption of mobile payments.

 Late last month, his company unveiled Google Wallet, a service that uses NFC to let users pay for purchases with their Android-based devices. Google said it will be partnering initially with Sprint, MasterCard, Citi, and FirstData on the service. Google also said last month that all future Android smartphones will be NFC-compatible. Meanwhile rumours suggest the next iPhone will feature NFC technology.