MAYNARD, Mass./REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 16, 1996 — Digital Equipment Corp. and Microsoft Corp. today announcedthat their Alliance for Enterprise Computing has won a multiyear contract, initially worth $13 million, to design and implement an advanced corporatewide messaging system for Lockheed Martin Corp. Digital, as prime contractor, will provide systems integration, AlphaServer
“Following Lockheed’s merger with Martin Marietta and acquisition of Loral Corp., the company faced a mix of mail systems with no common high-speed backbone,”
said Joseph Cleveland, president, Lockheed Martin Enterprise Information Systems.
“The systems were slowed by routers and gateways and were costly to administer. Thenew system will significantly reduce both our administrative costs and message delivery times.”
“Excellent teamwork by Digital and Microsoft made this one of the largest wins to date through our companies’ Alliance for Enterprise Computing,”
said Digital Chairman Robert B. Palmer.
“It also illustrates the success of Digital’s three-pronged strategy – 64-bit high-performance Alpha computing, the Windows NT® operating system across the enterprise, and connectivity – which wecombine with leadership systems integration.”
“One year after its introduction, the Alliance for Enterprise Computingcontinues to offer comprehensive enterprisewide Windows® -based solutionsthat meet customer requirements,
A key factor in the Lockheed Martin contract award was Digital’s Network and Systems Integration Services, which will provide design, implementation and support. Digital will install AlphaServer 1000 and 2000 systems at corporate locations worldwide running Microsoft Exchange Server connected to the state-of-the-art backbone. AlphaServer systems will also run the backbone, built with Digital’s MAILbus 400
™
software. The backbone provides electronic messaging services in an open network environment.
Microsoft Exchange Server contains e-mail and built-in groupware to allow group scheduling, discussion databases, document sharing and other customer applications to improve business productivity.
Following design work and installation of the messaging backbone, pilot installations are scheduled to come online early next year. Migration of all mail users to Microsoft Exchange Server is planned for completion in 1998.
Additional software includes Digital’s X.500 Directory Services software, which adds a distributed network directory service; and Innosoft International Inc.’s PMDF products, which provide tightly integrated connections with all major PC LAN mail systems.
The Microsoft/Digital Alliance for Enterprise Computing, formed in August 1995, combines Microsoft client/server products with Digital’s leadership in enterprise systems, service, support, and systems integration. Customers can deploy business solutions on the Microsoft Windows and Windows NT operating systems with assurance of integration into the most complex business environments.
Digital Equipment Corp. is the world’s leader in open client-server solutions from personal computing to integrated worldwide information systems. Digital’s Intel and Alpha platforms, storage, networking, software and services, together with industry-focused solutions from business partners, help organizations compete and win in today’s global marketplace.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows NT, Windows and BackOffice are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Digital, the Digital logo, AlphaServer and MAILbus 400 are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corp.
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