American Express has awarded a five year technology services contract to HP unit EDS in a deal the card outfit hopes will help slash IT costs.
Under the agreement, signed in December, EDS is managing the American Express end-user desktop computing environment and its global voice and data networks.
In addition, the tech firm will provide on-site services for about 60,000 employees in more than 130 countries around the world.
Matthew Robinson, chief technology officer, American Express, says: "Our goal is to drive American Express' growth, innovation and customer service using secure technology that enables a more productive, efficient and collaborative workplace."
Hit hard by the credit crisis, in October American Express outlined plans to axe 7000 jobs and scale back technology spending and other expenses in a bid to generate $1.8 billion in savings in 2009.
This was followed up in May by news that another 4000 jobs - six per cent of its global workforce - would go as part of a programme aimed at reducing costs by $800 million this year.