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SOFTWARE VENDOR WITH INSECURITIES Microsoft has palmed off managing its internal IT services to the Indian outsourcing firm Infosys.The deal will see the Bangalore based firm provide technology and applications support and something called desk-side support, which we presume doesn't mean bringing cups of tea to the Vole's employees but rather helping them when they have hardware and software problems with their PCs. Furthermore, the outsourcing firm will manage Microsoft's internal IT services including systems and databases at 450 of the company's sites.For Infosys, which made its name on the back of such deals, winning business from one of the IT industry's biggest names represents a massive PR coup. Infosys in turn partnered with the computer hardware and services company Unisys to provide part of the service contract, specifically that all-important desk-side support.Microsoft, like most firms that outsource their IT services requirements, explained that this move will enhance the level of service its employees receive. The notion that Microsoft, one of the industry's biggest employers, is somehow unable to handle its own IT needs doesn't create an overwhelmingly positive image for a company that tries to sell software and support contracts to other businesses.We assume that most, if not all, of the Vole's internal computer systems run some variant of the firm's Windows operating system. One would think that the firm that legally has access to all of its own source code would understand the software better than anyone else.However a spokesVole told us that the deal is just a "consolidation", saying that it merely represents a "concentrated effort to be more efficient and save money". Apparently the Vole has been palming off its IT services needs for ages to a number of outfits but plumped to put all its eggs in Infosys' basket. We were also told that the deal "will not impact internal resources", suggesting that the company doesn't employ any IT management professionals itself. That could explain a lot of things, we reckon.For Microsoft the cost savings might be great, however the image of the IT software leviathan being unable to handle its own PC and IT systems support requirements doesn't present a great confidence builder for potential customers.
