A new study by HfS Research and ValueNotes found that there is a gradual shift occurring in the energy and utilities (E&U) industry, evolving from expansive nationalized monopolies to smaller de-regulated, privatized enterprises that are increasingly adopting outsourcing as a business strategy. Among the other issues currently facing the E&U industry include pressure to go green; security concerns, and the need to incorporate smart grid technologies.

IBM is the prime contractor in a $2.6 billion deal signed by the Spanish savings bank, la Caixa, to manage its IT infrastructure over the next 10 years. IBM services will account for about half of the total, with other third parties receiving the rest.