Unisys Repositions Mainframes for Mainstream Computing; Opens ClearPath Line to Java Developers and Introduces Pay-for-Service Pricing to Attract Global ISVs

Business Wire, July 25, 2005

BLUE BELL, Pa. -- Unisys (NYSE:UIS) is adding new features to its ClearPath line of computers to give solution developers the ability to run mainstream applications -- such as Java J2EE applications -- in a mainframe environment. The initiative continues the evolution of Unisys mainframe business and opens one of the most secure and reliable computing environments to a new generation of IT professionals.

The new features include the addition of a secure Java development and deployment environment, an innovative and industry-first pay-for-service pricing model, new mainframe-based vertical business solutions, advanced policy-based provisioning capabilities and a complete refresh of the company's ClearPath Libra server line.

"We're doing to the mainframe what Microsoft did to the personal computer - making it easier to use," said Leo Daiuto, president of Unisys Systems and Technology division. "The new capabilities we've added to our ClearPath line move it further into the mainstream of today's open computing environments and further ahead of what our competitors are able to offer."

The announcement builds on Unisys strength in the mainframe business and leadership in bringing mainframe capabilities to industry standard environments. Unisys ClearPath servers are a core element in the company's strategy to help its clients build real-time infrastructures - infrastructures with the flexibility and responsiveness to adapt to changing business demands efficiently and cost-effectively. The new features add to a growing portfolio of technologies and services at the heart of the company's 3D Visible Enterprise strategy, which is designed to give clients greater visibility into the cause-and-effect relationships between strategy, process, applications and infrastructure.

Highlights of the new enhancements include:

Secure Java

The ClearPath Secure Java mainstream initiative leverages Unisys ClearPath mainframes to provide the industry's best deployment environment for Java-based business solutions. Large customers have been hesitant to replace core business solutions with Java applications because of the inherent weaknesses of the underlying operating environments. Unisys ClearPath operating environments are recognized for functionality leadership and fill the void for clients wanting mainstream solutions, but with mainframe security, reliability and scalability. ClearPath mainframes offer the industry's most functional deployment platform for centralized, mainstream Java-J2EE business solutions in addition to their traditional role as premium computing infrastructures housing highly customized, user-developed applications.

Pay-for-service pricing

The pay-for-use business models and metering technology Unisys introduced last year on its ClearPath line currently account for one-third of the company's mainframe business. The company is continuing its pay-for-use business models on its newest metered Libra product line, the Libra Model 595 server. Additionally, later this year the company plans to introduce a second generation pay-for-use business model, called "pay-for-service." Delivered through application partners and ISVs, clients will be able to pay for the computing power they use based on a pre-defined metric that is relevant to their business.

"Our business is growing quickly. With pay-for-service we now have a computing infrastructure powerful enough to handle our future needs, but we only pay for that infrastructure as we use it, based on the number of bank accounts we're servicing," said Jeff McGinnis, vice president, Information Technology, Farmington Savings Bank, an early adopter of the pay-for-service business model. "With this approach our IT costs are directly aligned with our business results, and we only pay more for additional infrastructure use if it's a result of our business success."

Mainframe-based vertical solutions

Unisys and System Access, a leading international banking solution provider based in Singapore, announced they will work together to offer the System Access SYMBOLS Universal banking solution on Unisys ClearPath servers.

"We're excited about partnering with Unisys," says Aravinth Kumarasamy, senior vice president in charge of Global Sales, Product R&D and Marketing for System Access. "The Unisys ClearPath technology addresses two important requirements of the global international banking community that are consistently requested - a more secure and functionally rich deployment infrastructure for Java and pay-for-use vendor-client risk-sharing business models. Most clients are coming from mainframe environments that have served them well in terms of security, service levels and business value. They expect mainframe-class functionality when implementing new retail and core banking solutions and Unisys ClearPath fills this need."

Policy-based Provisioning Capabilities

New policy-based provisioning initiatives include Workload Management, Ready Reserve hardware and Information Lifecycle Management. Workload management software will allow clients to manage their servers based on business rules, easing server management and tying it more closely to critical business processes. Ready reserve hardware in the form of extra performance, I/O, memory and networking will now ship in all Libra Model 585 and Libra Model 595 servers, giving clients easy access to more capacity in these areas. Ultimately the combination of workload management and ready reserve hardware will enable clients to tap into additional infrastructure, instantaneously, to meet service level agreements in real-time. Information Lifecycle Management allows clients to set policy-based rules for storage management, resulting in storage practices that are more closely aligned with business value.