Unisys, Microsoft Expand Portal Alliance

Unisys Corp. of Blue Bell, Pa., is enhancing its portfolio of electronic government solutions for the public sector by offering a new portal server designed by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash., the company announced March 30.

Designed for the public and private sector, SharePoint portal server is a flexible portal solution that enables companies or governments to use a Web browser to find, share and publish information.

The server provides portal integration with the Microsoft Office and Windows operating system, thus allowing users to integrate document management, search, subscriptions and online discussions into their document collaboration processes.

As part of its e-government solutions strategy for its U.S. Federal Government Group and Global Public Sector, Unisys is working to incorporate the server into its framework for enterprise information management that enables governments to unify "islands of automation" and simplify business processes.

Governments can use the server to facilitate rapid deployment of an enterprise information management solution that is highly flexible and adaptable to government programs and business objectives, according to Unisys.

Also, the Web browser interface enables government agencies to incorporate commercial best practices to help deliver better services to citizens and partners.

Unisys, which is a Microsoft alliance partner, also said in the announcement that it will use the server to enhance its internal operations.

"Unisys is using technology ... in forward-looking ways, both for Unisys internal processes and with customers," said Jeff Teper, general manager of Microsoft's SharePoint portal server business unit.

"With its sophisticated portal and content management capabilities, SharePoint portal server will help Unisys share information internally in a more efficient way, while extending the company's track record of delivering next-generation e-government solutions to its public-sector customers," he said.