TCS wins contract from Merrill Lynch
Merrill Lynch moved most of its IT deals valued up to $40 m with Satyam to Tata Consultancy Services. Merrill Lynch has not cancelled the contract completely with Satyam, who will continue to service parts of the contract. As per the contract, TCS will provide application, maintenance and development work in the area of transaction documentation, legacy application, capital markets trading and financial accounting for the bank.

Accenture wins $58 m IT outsourcing contract from FEMA
The US Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has signed a $58 m contract with Accenture. As per the contract, Accenture will provide program-management and business-architecture services for the agency's Flood Risk Mapping, Assessment and planning program. The program includes designing and implementing a nationwide communications and outreach strategy, integrates the work and activities of other contractors and promotes partnerships with key FEMA stakeholders. The contract has a one year base period with four one-year options.

French Air Force awards €9 m IT outsourcing contract to Atos Origin
The French Air Force awards a four-year contract to develop and implement a HR admin and management system known as Orchestra to Atos Origin. The contract value is worth €9 m. The Orchestra system will ensure transition from three standalone applications to a centralized human resources information system. This system will take care of payroll management, manpower, career planning and all HR needs of the Air Force.

Indian IT companies eyeing the Wal-Mart outsourcing contract 
Wal-Mart is looking to outsource its in-house IT and non-core activities. The non core activities include procurement, merchandising, finance, accounting and payroll. The contract is valued at $300 m to $500 m. IBM, TCS, WNS and Wipro are the Indian players exploring this opportunity.

GramIT trims expansion plans
Byrraju Foundation established by B. Ramalinga Raju, founder of Satyam Computer Services formed GramIT, the rural BPO initiative. GramIT is now seeking finances as funding from Satyam has ceased. GramIT has four BPO centers in Andhra Pradesh employing about 400 people. These centers provide back-end services, including HR and accounting to Satyam. GramIT has put on hold its two new centers to be set up in Madhya Pradesh till the funds are raised.

Syntel to expand India operations
The US-based IT and KPO services provider, Syntel is planning to invest $35 m to expand its India operations. The company has set up a 29-acre special economic zone center in Chennai with 5,100 seating capacity, which will be completed by the year end.