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Accenture, Computer Sciences land big deals

Alliances led by both information technology services companies win contracts with the British government valued at more than $1.6 billion each.

Ed Frauenheim Former Staff Writer, News
Ed Frauenheim covers employment trends, specializing in outsourcing, training and pay issues.
Ed Frauenheim
Accenture and Computer Sciences announced contract wins Tuesday, with the British government making their holiday seasons cheerier.

Both information technology services companies said they are spearheading teams of firms that have landed deals valued at more than $1.6 billion each to help the United Kingdom's National Health Service improve health care. Both contracts, which cover different regions, run until 2013.

El Segundo, Calif.-based Computer Sciences said its $1.72 billion contract is part of an effort to improve health care service for patients in the North West and West Midlands of England. Under the agreement, a Computer Sciences-led alliance of companies will design, deliver and operate an integrated patient-care record system, Computer Sciences said. The service will provide all NHS patients with an individual lifelong electronic care record, the company said.

Bermuda-based Accenture said its $1.65 billion contract is to help improve health care in Eastern England. Accenture said it will lead a team of technology companies that will design, build and manage key information systems to support patient care and services.

Accenture said new patient record systems will offer access to electronic appointment booking and transmission of prescriptions from other providers and will support about 9.5 million citizens.

Accenture and Computer Sciences compete against companies such as Electronic Data Systems and the services wing of IBM.