NEC and Unisys to collaborate on delivering solutions

NEC Corp. and Unisys Corp. have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a partnership for joint R&D, manufacturing and solutions delivery. The collaboration will focus on server technology, software, integrated solutions and services.

"This alliance will significantly contribute to NEC's global business. Going forward, we expect high-end Intel-based servers, the most important in the market, to be even further enhanced, boosting global shipments," said NEC president Akinobu Kanasugi in a statement. "Optimal advancement of server software will be enabled by the mutual provision of both companies' software in the mission critical business field. Furthermore, the complementary strengths of both companies in solutions and services markets and applications will be of great advantage to NEC's global strategy. Unisys world-class consulting and support services will also benefit our customers."

Unisys CEO and president, Joseph McGrath added, "In this age of increasingly globalized business, companies that are continents apart can discover that they're ideally positioned to mesh their complementary strengths and vision; so it is with NEC and us. Together, we can provide an enriched combination of technology, consulting expertise and global presence that is designed to generate increased innovation with lower R&D costs, stronger offerings for our customers, and access to new market opportunities for both companies. This is among a number of new ventures for Unisys that build on our more aggressive partnering model to provide value and unlock opportunities around the globe."

The two companies plan to jointly design and develop a high-end Intel-based server platform with the first products coming out in 2007. Other areas for the collaboration include security products, telecommunications and 3D visible enterprise solutions. Under the agreement, Unisys will be the preferred partner for technology support and maintenance services for NEC customers outside Japan.