Unisys Teams with Microsoft to Optimize Support Service Offerings for Mission-Critical Distributed Computing Environments.

April 26, 1999 -- Unisys Corporation today announced an expansion of its enterprise partnership with Microsoft through which it will apply its expertise in developing and delivering infrastructure and operations support solutions to bolster Microsoft_s Product Support Service program (see related press release from Microsoft). Working in close collaboration with Microsoft, Unisys is developing the processes and framework for delivering its customer-focused distributed computing support services within Microsoft_s Alliance and Premier offerings. The resulting support programs will leverage Unisys core competencies in mission-critical support and integrated service delivery, enabling Microsoft to provide the customized, customer-focused services outlined in today_s announcement. Key to the selection of Unisys as a Microsoft Alliance program partner is the company_s proven consultative approach to distributed systems lifecycle management, and its ISO-certified global service delivery capabilities. The enterprise-level Alliance program developed jointly with Microsoft will rely on Unisys 24x7 proactive problem resolution and management capability, as well as Unisys expertise in supporting interoperability and availability for heterogeneous distributed computing environments. Unisys service and support solutions are delivered by a multi-disciplinary organization with a broad set of Microsoft-specific and other industry certifications. Unisys end-to-end solutions are developed specifically to address a client_s unique business needs. This consultative approach employs an up-front assessment, requirements definition and includes service design and implementation, operational support, and ongoing advisory services focused on continuous improvement. Through the Microsoft Alliance program, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers from Unisys will provide dedicated on-site program management. Unisys brings a wealth of support expertise and experience to the Alliance offering," said Kevin Johnson, Microsoft vice president of Product Support Services. "As the most recent addition to the Microsoft Certified Support Center program, Unisys will bring our customers the infrastructure support solutions they need to meet business goals "The Unisys suite of proactive network and desktop support offerings, coupled with our reputation for exceeding service level commitments and ability to work with clients on a one-on-one basis, makes Unisys an ideal partner to help Microsoft deliver on the promise of complete customer satisfaction," said Ted Bullock, vice president and general manager of Professional Services, Unisys Global Customer Services. To deliver these services, Unisys draws on its proven expertise in deploying and supporting distributed computing environments. The Unisys portfolio, including NetWORKS remote network management, OneCALL end-user help desk support, and network and desktop consulting services, provides a single point of integration for mission-critical multi-vendor computing environments.

Expanded Emphasis on Availability
In March, Unisys announced two programs for bringing the high levels of reliability and support previously available only for mainframes to servers based on Intel and Microsoft technology: High Availability Support for Microsoft Business Systems is backed by a custom agreement with Microsoft and high-availability packages featuring a hardware guarantee offering by Unisys for its Windows NT servers. Recognizing that the concept of high availability is contingent upon components throughout a distributed computing environment, Unisys complements its High Availability Support Program with these consultative service solutions for network infrastructure and desktop components.