ITI partners with Unisys to deliver client solutions using new gen. server tech - Unisys ClearPath Plus Libra Model 180 - Product Announcement

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, Oct 14, 2002

Information Technology, Inc. (ITI), a subsidiary of Fiserv, Inc. (Nasdaq:FISV), in conjunction with its technology partner, Unisys, has announced the introduction of a new server technology that provides state-of-the-art processing flexibility, capacity and availability. The Unisys ClearPath Plus Server Libra Model 180 offers system-wide server management, giving companies the ability to use the ClearPath Server as an overall resource for a broad array of tasks running on multiple operating environments. The first U.S. order for the ClearPath Plus Libra Model 180 was placed by Community First Bankshares, Inc. (Nasdaq:CFBX), a $5.6 billion financial services company based in Fargo, N.D.

"Community First selected the technology as the centerpiece for its thin client system, which we believe is one of the largest in the U.S. With the ClearPath Plus Libra Model 180, Community First now has the network capability to replicate and transfer data captured throughout the day to a second ClearPath Plus server. This system allows for additional growth, as well as enhancing back-up capabilities to further strengthen our business continuity and recovery procedures," said Dan Fisher, Community First Chief Information Officer and President and CEO of its subsidiary, Community First Technologies, Inc. "After extensive analysis of our needs, we chose ITI and Unisys to help us meet our goals with this innovative, large system upgrade."

The ClearPath Plus architecture gives Community First the control to operate the system with multiple, independent partitions--each with its own physical resources and operating system.

"Now we can upgrade or test a new software release on a copy of our system, without impacting our production environment," explained Fisher. "We're able to gain insight into new software releases before they're introduced into our live processes, thus enhancing our efficiency and employee productivity. One of our important future strategic initiatives is the continued deployment of our secure, centralized architecture. This technology solution provides real mainframe qualities while simultaneously deploying a wealth of open applications."

The introduction of the Unisys ClearPath Plus Libra Model 180 heralds Unisys' introduction of the next generation of powerful servers to fulfill the needs of large institutions.

"As Community First's technology partner, we are excited to be involved in this important project," said ITI President and CEO Michael K. Young. "Community First will be taking advantage of a new technology precedent from Unisys and ITI to meet the demands of a competitive and dynamic financial world."

Community First Bankshares provides a complete line of banking, investment, insurance, mortgage and trust products to individuals and businesses. The company's extensive offering of financial products and services is marketed through full-service offices in 136 communities in 12 states. The company's services include an online banking system that offers electronic bill payment and discount brokerage capabilities, telephone banking and an extensive ATM network.

Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. Unisys combines expertise in systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure, server technology and consulting, helping clients in more than 100 countries quickly and efficiently achieve competitive advantages.