GM and EDS Announce Plan For New Global Desktop Configuration
10 December 1998
GM and EDS Announce Plan For New Global Desktop Configuration
DETROIT, Dec. 9 -- In its continuing effort to achieve higher
technology standards, increased global efficiency and technical commonality,
General Motor's Information Systems and Services (IS&S) has
contracted with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) to implement the
initial phases of a new global desktop computing environment called GM OnLine.
When this first phase is implemented, EDS will provide ongoing centralized
support for approximately 90,000 users in North America and Latin America.
When full implementation is complete, approximately 125,000 GM OnLine end
users will benefit from a common desktop that is web-enabled and centrally
managed for faster and more reliable user support. Important features include
a more intuitive interface, upgraded security and virus software, an upgraded
office suite package and a web browser.
The new desktop architecture is based on open systems and industry
standards. Today, GM has several desktop systems in place worldwide, which
will be replaced with the single, global GM OnLine solution. Dennis Walsh,
GM's chief technology information officer, called GM OnLine an "evolutionary
step along GM's path to a business environment of common processes and systems
that allow savings through reduction of support costs."
"The two main goals of the new system," said Walsh, "are to raise the
level of GM's computing environment to a highly competitive, global standard,
and to drive down the cost of supporting the systems in place by establishing
a comprehensive infrastructure that can be managed from a few key locations."
EDS Senior Executive Dennis Stolkey said that the centralization of GM's
computing infrastructure through GM OnLine is an important collaboration
between EDS and GM and marks another technological milestone in our long-
standing relationship. "EDS is excited about the continuing opportunity to
use our industry knowledge to help GM reach the goal of commonality within its
computing systems," said Stolkey.
General Motors Information Systems and Services division provides
worldwide information technology leadership, strategy, technological direction
and supplier management for GM. Led by GM Vice President and Chief
Information Officer Ralph Szygenda, IS&S has headquarters in Detroit,
Michigan, and Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.
EDS, the official information technology services provider for World Cup
1998, is a leader in the global information services industry. The company's
approximately 110,000 employees specialize in applying a range of ideas and
technologies to help business and government clients improve their economics,
products, services and relationships. EDS, which serves clients in 44
countries, reported revenues of $15.2 billion in 1997. The company's stock is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. EDS can
be visited via the Internet at http://www.eds.com.