Mazda Motor will outsource most of the development and operation of its information systems to IBM Japan in a deal worth about $US480 million over 10 years.
IBM Japan will be responsible for the development, operation and maintenance of Mazda's host systems, supercomputers, 10,000 PCs and network links in all areas except research and development.
IBM Japan will establish a wholly owned subsidiary -- IBM Global Services Japan Chugoku Solutions -- which initially will employ 350 people. As a result of the outsourcing pact, Mazda C&T, Mazda's wholly owned information technology subsidiary, will be dissolved in March.