Microsoft Corp. has agreed to spend $900 million over the next five years to promote the growth of the IT industry in China, according to a statement released by the company and China's National Development and Reform Committee. Microsoft plans to buy $700 million worth of hardware from Chinese vendors and invest $200 million in Chinese software vendors.

Malmo Aviation, an airline in Malmo, Sweden, has awarded a five-year IT operations management contract worth 24 million Swedish crowns to Unisys Corp. Under the deal, Unisys will manage the airline's business applications and help desk and provide on-site technical support. Malmo Aviation's servers will be moved to a Unisys facility in Alings's, Sweden.

Global fact

$90.9B

The projected size of the market for IT outsourcing services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 2009.