HHS Selects Unisys for Integrated Messaging Contract With Potential Value of $31 Million Over Five Years
New System Boosts Crisis Response and Employee Collaboration
BLUE BELL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 4, 2004--Suppose workers in a government office discover a suspicious white powder and alert local authorities. As soon as word reaches the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), "first responders" at the Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health and other key operating divisions mobilize, employing a department-wide e-mail system to send alerts, exchange situational information as it develops, and report on the progress of the investigation as analysis becomes clearer.
HHS signed a contract with Unisys Corporation (NYSE:UIS) in February 2004 to help their divisions respond with that level of speed and efficiency through a new secure e-mail system that will link its 70,000 workers. Unisys contract with HHS comprises one base year and four one-year options exercisable at the discretion of the government. If the government exercises all of the option years and uses all of the estimated labor hours, the estimated value of the contract is $31 million. Unisys will be paid approximately $8.6 million for year one.
The new common directory based on Microsoft Exchange messaging software will enable HHS employees to locate colleagues anywhere within the agency just by knowing their names. Employees also will be able to create mass and customized e-mails much more easily. Plus, the system permits storage of critical documents commonly accessible by any authorized user. This reduces delays and puts critical information at the fingertips of those who need it.
Furthermore, a uniform and intuitive calendaring solution will enable users to schedule across-operating-divisions (OPDIV) and department-wide meetings and confirm attendee availability.
As a result, each HHS operating division also will be better able to carry out its own work effectively and coordinate transparently with other HHS units. This furthers HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson's "One HHS" vision of a streamlined department that serves citizens more efficiently.
"HHS realizes that a flexible, secure IT infrastructure is a necessity to deliver on the promise of e-government - creating cost-effective, continually enhanced services available to the public any time they're needed," said Phil Habuda, partner, Unisys U.S. Federal Government Group.
Combined Capabilities for an Integrated Vision
Unisys will modernize and standardize HHS' messaging infrastructure, consolidating disparate e-mail systems into a single integrated system based on the Microsoft Exchange messaging software and Microsoft Identity Integration Server (MIIS). The company also will provide security consulting services to help ensure that the system will adhere to security standards required for sensitive information.
The new system will be hosted on Unisys ES7000 and ES3000 servers running the Microsoft Windows 2003 operating system, complemented by an advanced storage area network (SAN). The servers will be used to provide a range of Exchange services, including directory management, virus scanning and spam filtering.
Unisys also will consolidate servers for HHS, using Unisys SystemFlow methodology, which incorporates best practices in consolidation and helps mitigate risks in deploying technology products.
The new system, part of the Unisys 3D Visible Enterprise initiative, gives HHS better clarity across its operations and builds a stronger link between the organization's processes and its infrastructure.
New Washington-area Center a Key to Solution Management
Unisys will host and manage the entire HHS messaging system from a remotely located managed services facility. Key managed services will include:
-- Network monitoring and management.
-- Service event management.
-- Performance management and project management services.
-- Systems management for the servers.
In addition, Unisys will provide a range of managed security services, including intrusion detection and prevention, to detect and defend against attempts at unauthorized access.
"Capitalizing on our proven expertise in infrastructure services, Microsoft solutions and advanced server technology, Unisys is empowering the people of HHS to further the Department's mission and provide new ways to safeguard public health and welfare," said Drew Cramer, vice president and general manager, U.S. Federal Government Group, Unisys Global Infrastructure Services.
About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. Our people combine expertise in consulting, systems integration; outsourcing, infrastructure and server technology with precision thinking and relentless execution to help clients, in more than 100 countries, quickly and efficiently achieve competitive advantage. For more information, visit www.unisys.com
Forward Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements rely on assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. In particular, statements in this release regarding the estimated total value of the contract are based on the assumption that the government will exercise all option years, which is entirely within the government's discretion and that the government will utilize all estimated labor hours. Further, because contracts with government agencies are terminable by agencies before the end of their terms and are subject to the availability of appropriated funds, the estimated values in this release are not guaranteed. Additional discussion of factors that could affect Unisys future results is contained in periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
RELEASE NO: 0804/8431
http://www.unisys.com/about__unisys/news_a_events/08048431.htm
Unisys is a registered trademark of Unisys Corporation. All other brands and products referenced herein are acknowledged to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Contacts
Unisys
Brian Daly, 215-986-2214
brian.daly@unisys.com
or
Unisys
Lisa Meyer, 703-439-5887
lisa.meyer@unisys.com
or
Weber Shandwick
Stephen Stokes, 972-830-2664
sstokes@webershandwick.com
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