Associated Food Stores Keeps Data Center Fresh with Unisys ClearPath Servers

Unisys ClearPath Libra Model 400 systems help food retailer reduce data center and power costs

BLUE BELL, Pa. – Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) today announced that it has received a 30-month lease contract from Associated Food Stores for two ClearPath Libra Model 400 mainframe-class server systems. The contract, signed in the fourth quarter of 2008, includes associated maintenance services.

Replacing an earlier generation of ClearPath servers, the new ClearPath systems provide Associated Foods with capabilities for faster execution of applications critical to its business, including inventory and financial operations. In addition, the ClearPath systems, which run in duplicate data centers and provide mirrored capabilities, enable environmental savings including a smaller footprint and less power usage. This helps Associated Food Stores reduce operational and power consumption costs while eliminating the need to outsource backup and disaster recovery functions.

“At a time when food costs are escalating, distributors must seize every advantage to improve margins while continuing to grow their business,” said Wade Judd, executive director of information technology, Associated Food Stores. “The new Unisys ClearPath Libra Model 400 systems give Associated Food Stores that kind of edge in a challenging marketplace. Combining greater computing capacity for critical business applications with decreased power requirements, they support our strategy for reducing costs. At the same time, they help us continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers.”

The new ClearPath systems at Associated Food Stores also employ an open systems architecture, with support for the Microsoft Windows operating environment complementing the Unisys MCP operating environment. This enables Associated Food Stores, a 30-year Unisys client, to take advantage of a broad choice of applications.

“Unisys long-term relationship with Associated Food Stores demonstrates how the ClearPath family of servers evolves steadily to meet clients’ continually changing business requirements,” said Bill Maclean, vice president, ClearPath programs, Unisys Systems and Technology. “We are confident that Associated Food Stores – and its customers – will continue to benefit from the operational and environmental advantages that the new ClearPath Libra Model 400 servers deliver.”

For more information about the Unisys ClearPath Libra Model 400 servers, please visit: http://www.unisys.com/products/mainframes/mcp__mainframes/

About Associated Food Stores
Associated Food Stores, Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a cooperatively owned wholesale distributor to almost 500 independently owned supermarkets in an eight-state region.

Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. We provide consulting, systems integration, outsourcing and infrastructure services, combined with powerful enterprise server technology. We specialize in helping clients use information to create efficient, secure business operations that allow them to achieve their business goals. Our consultants and industry experts work with clients to understand their business challenges and create greater visibility into critical linkages throughout their operations. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.