In Business This Week

NEW CLIENTS FOR IBM AND BRITISH TELECOM

Two of the world's technology giants, IBM and British Telecommunications, announced big deals on Aug. 18 in the hot field of "outsourcing"--running the voice and data networks for companies that would rather focus their efforts on building cars or baking cookies. In a deal estimated at $10 million over three years, British Telecom signed up BP Chemicals as a client. IBM, meanwhile, allied with Sears Roebuck to form Advantis, a joint venture to sell outsourcing services.EDITED BY DEIDRE A. DEPKE