Meridian Energy, one of New Zealand’s largest state-owned enterprises, has signed a multimillion dollar application services agreement with Hewlett-Packard New Zealand.

Under the agreement, HP will develop and manage Meridian’s core applications that support retail, wholesale and business systems.

HP said that this partnering to transform its legacy applications environment will increase the availability and flexibility of Meridian’s core business functions. The new environment will help Meridian improve front-line customer services, including service desk support, as well as drive cost savings across its business systems.

“Our business environment is undergoing rapid change. Competition within the industry is increasing and customer expectations are rising. At the same time, regulatory changes are reshaping our industry,” said Glen McLatchie, general manager, Information and Communications Technology, Meridian Energy. “Meridian’s partnership with HP will enable us to access the global expertise we need to transform our systems and meet these challenges head on.”

HP will deliver application services from its Best Shore delivery center in Christchurch, New Zealand. As part of HP’s integrated, global Best Shore sourcing model, the delivery center provides high-quality, flexible services using standardized tools, processes and best practices to help reduce costs for clients.

“In a competitive industry, Meridian must respond quickly to changing regulatory and customer demands by seeking innovation in services, process and therefore applications,” said Gavin Greaves, New Zealand country manager, HP Enterprise Services. “HP’s high-quality applications services and cost-effective support will enable Meridian to adapt its business applications to changing needs and innovate for future growth.”