The Indian branch of British mobile giant Vodafone has agreed to link up with technology firm IBM in an IT outsourcing contract, it has been announced.

Under the terms of the five-year deal, IT operations for Vodafone Essar will be transferred to IBM India in a bid to improve the efficiency of its business and boost customer service.

This will include all data centre, desktop and helpdesk management, as Vodafone aims to prolong its rapid growth by focusing on its core business and leaving the IT support to IBM's experts.

Managing director of Vodafone Essar, Asim Ghosh, said: "This agreement further demonstrates our continued focus on scalability and cost control - key criteria for success in the Indian mobile market. In IBM we have chosen a global partner, committed to the industry and with a proven track record in the region.

"We are confident this will deliver cost efficiency as well as an enhanced service to our customers."

While small firms may have just recently woken up to the opportunities offered by IT outsourcing, major firms have in the past been quicker to explore how they can save money by bringing in outside expertise.