Bupa starts major IT transformation

Business growth at Bupa created increasing IT demands

Healthcare services provider Bupa has signed a three-year application management deal with Patni Computer Systems as part of an effort to retool its IT set-up and save around £1m during the length of the contract.

The deal is an extension of Patni's existing relationship with Bupa and is aimed at improving levels of IT service to the business, supporting quality software development and encouraging the re-use of applications and processes globally.

As a result of the agreement, some 40 outsourced staff based in the UK and India will work on behalf of the healthcare firm, using applications including web systems and Bupa's current and new business intelligence reporting tools.

Bupa's intention is to drive change in IT, according to chief applications officer David Guest.

"We are a large company and our staff and customers expect professional levels of service, while growth in business volumes will continue to put increasing pressure on services and drive additional requirements," he said.

"Our software is becoming ever more critical to the business, and [staff] expect it to be delivered on time and to work first time.

"Our range of services, geographies and IT assets is also increasing, so simplification and reuse are both important. Offshoring is an obvious part of the jigsaw."