IBM and CenturyLink announced 10-year business transformation agreement that will create nearly 400 jobs in Louisiana.
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As part of the agreement, IBM will open the new applications development innovation center in Monroe. The center in Monroe is the second IBM center in Louisiana. The first center was opened in 2013 in Baton Rouge.
The center will provide IBM’s clients with services that address the demand for flexible software services to create value from big data, cloud computing and mobile-led business transformation.
In addition to the 400 direct jobs, Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 400 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 800 new permanent jobs in Northeast Louisiana.
IBM will work with local professors to recommend curricular innovations focused on technology, math and software development, and equip students to meet the demand for business services, including advanced analytics, process innovation and application development.
Louisiana state is providing $4.5 million in funding over 10 years to expand key higher education programs, including the computer science program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the cyber engineering program at Louisiana Tech, and the data analytics program at Grambling State University.
In addition, the State will provide $12 million for construction of new office space for the use of IBM, which will become an anchor tenant of a privately developed mixed-use complex.
Image: (L-R) Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, IBM Senior Vice President Colleen Arnold and CenturyLink CEO Glen Post announce strategic public-private partnership at CenturyLink headquarters in Monroe Louisiana.
