IBM announced that its existing contract with AK Steel has been extended for five years. IBM will continue to provide the steel company with IT infrastructure services, develop and maintain business applications and work on a variety of key initiatives.

IBM has been AK Steel's IT provider for the past 13 years and has delivered information technology services as well as completed a variety of projects.

Under the extension, IBM will manage mainframe and midrange UNIX and Intel-based servers, desktop PCs, telecommunications and help desk, as well as provide data center services, application development and maintenance for business applications.

"AK Steel is a valued customer and we look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship," said Mike Green, vice president, manufacturing, electronics, process, petroleum and chemical industries, IBM. "Together, we intend to make important strides in delivering technology services to the business."

About IBM

IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com.

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Contact:
John Buscemi
IBM
914-766-4495
jbuscemi@us.ibm.com