Hewlett-Packard and European energy mammoth E.ON IT announced they have signed a five-year, $1.4bn infrastructure tech-outsourcing services contract.

Under the deal, HP is to provide data centre operations and workplace services. The agreement is expected to "strengthen E.ON’s competitiveness and create a more flexible technology environment."

“HP has proven experience in large-scale IT outsourcing and a global presence. We have asked them to apply their broad experience and innovation capabilities and to act as operational integrator toward our other key partners.” said Edgar Aschenbrenner, E.ON's CIO.

“HP’s experience in managing complex outsourcing engagements and leading the management of multisupplier environments will enable E.ON to focus on delivering better business results and drive growth.” added Jan Zadak, senior EMEA enterprise-biz veep at HP.

Under the terms of the agreement, HP will directly manage the data center services and workplace services for more than 80,000 employees. HP also will act as operational integrator, collaborating closely with E.ON’s other key IT suppliers. As a result, more than 1,100 employees will transfer to HP in April 2011.

HP currently supplies technology equipment, support services and managed print services for E.ON. ®