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• IBM was selected by National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy to provide hardware and software — including a new IBM z10 mainframe and the upgrade of an existing z9 mainframe connected by a Parallel Sysplex — to help Kazakh Railways optimize freight and passenger operations, according to a prepared statement. Under the $8 million agreement, IBM will work with the 11,656-mile railway to establish a new system based on two "disaster-proof" data centers in the city of Astana. The project is slated for completion during the first half of 2011. Meanwhile, IBM, Kazakh Railways and software developer IBA Group also signed a memorandum of understanding to explore "areas of collaboration" involving Linux and Open Source software.

• Consulting firm Capgemini recently was asked by ICTRA, the rail division of SNCB Holding, to "take over" the maintenance of the Belgian National Railway Co.'s existing financial management system so that ICTRA could focus on "getting a new SAP [systems applications and products] system up and running," according to a prepared statement.