IBM has announced it will open a $10.8 million IT Services Centre in Ballarat.

The centre, which will provide jobs for 300 staff over the next five years, will host specialist ICT services, software application development, ICT support and consulting for IBM’s global operations, servicing clients across the US, Europe and the Asia Pacific.

The centre will be based at the Ballarat Technology Park and be opened by the end of 2009.

The new site will also leverage off the nearby Ballarat University.

“Ballarat offers not only the infrastructure but also high-quality graduates who will enable us to accelerate the development of innovative technology solutions for our clients across the globe," said John Twine, IBM Integrated Technology Services general manager for A/NZ.

“Currently IBM employ 817 people in Ballarat and 50 per cent of these comprise graduates or students of the University,” said Professor David Battersby, Vice-Chancellor of the University.