IBM acquires Network Solutions

IBM is set to acquire Network Solutions Ltd, a leading infrastructure
services company in India. The acquisition will make Network Solutions a wholly
owned subsidiary of IBM. The company would acquire the entire equity capital of
Network Solutions and the transaction is expected to close within a month. This
strategic investment will enable IBM to augment its networking and managed
services portfolio of offerings in India and broaden its reach across the
country. The acquisition of Network Solutions will enable IBM to consolidate its
leadership in the Indian domestic services market by strengthening its services
capabilities in the area of infrastructure services solutions for the enterprise
and mid market business segment.

"IT infrastructure forms the backbone of development and growth of any
economic activity. The acquisition of Network Solutions will enable IBM to
consolidate its leadership in domestic services and leverage its capabilities in
building world-class infrastructure for our clients. This strategic investment
is yet another initiative reflective of IBM's commitment to domestic services
in India," said Shanker Annaswamy, Managing Director, IBM Global Services
India.

Network Solutions, a privately-owned infrastructure solutions company in
India, established in 1993, specializes in implementation of convergence
solutions for data, voice and video, security, wireless technology solutions,
WAN & LAN implementations, infrastructure management, network design and
implementation, structured cabling solutions, network management including
remote management services and IP telephony services. Headquartered in Bangalore,
Network Solutions is a CMMi level 3 certified company. With presence in over 45
service locations in India the company has one of the largest pool of certified
professionals in its line of business.

According to Sudhir Sharma, Managing Director, Network Solutions, the company
is focused on using continuous innovation to create value for our client's
business. He said, "As a combined entity with IBM, we will be able to
achieve this mandate more effectively and be in a position to offer clients IBM's
portfolio of offerings and expertise, in addition to our solutions, along with
our industry and technology expertise."

DQW News Bureau

Bangalore