Unisys

Unisys Corporation is an American multinational information technology (IT) services and consulting company founded in 1986 through the merger of Sperry and Burroughs. The company is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The company provides virtual workplace, cloud applications and infrastructure, enterprise computing, business process, AI technology, and data analytics services.

History

Founding

File:A computer operator enters information into the Naval Supply Depot requisition tracking system in the data processing center - DPLA - 1ba7b419e11daba0e2aead9b6c717a0c.jpeg

A person doing data entry on a Unisys system in 1989

Unisys’ history dates back to 1873 with E. Remington & Sons and the introduction of the first commercially viable typewriter to use the QWERTY keyboard layout.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Over a hundred years later, the company became known as Unisys in 1986 through the merger of mainframe corporations Sperry and Burroughs, with Burroughs buying Sperry for $4.8 billion.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The new company's name was chosen from over 31,000 submissions in an internal competition when Christian Machen submitted the word "Unisys", which was composed of parts of the words "united", "information", and "systems".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The merger was the largest in the computer industry at the time and made Unisys the second-largest computer company with annual revenue of $10.5 billion.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> W. Michael Blumenthal became CEO and Chairman.<ref name=":8" />

20th century

Soon after the merger, the market for proprietary mainframe-class systems, the mainstream product of Unisys and its competitors such as IBM, saw a decline<ref name=":13">Template:Cite web</ref> that continues, at a slower rate, today. Unisys responded by making the strategic decision to shift into high-end servers, including 32-bit processor Windows Servers and information technology (IT) services, such as systems integration, outsourcing, and related technical services, while holding onto the profitable revenue stream from maintaining its installed base of proprietary mainframe hardware and applications.<ref name=":13" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1988, the company acquired Convergent Technologies, creators of Convergent Technologies Operating System (CTOS).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1990, Blumenthal resigned.<ref name=":8" /> James Unruh, formerly of Memorex and Honeywell, became the new CEO and Chairman after Blumenthal's departure and continued in both roles until 1997, when Larry Weinbach of Arthur Andersen became the new CEO.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite news</ref>

21st century

Joseph McGrath served as CEO and President from January 2005, until September, 2008. On October 7, 2008, J. Edward Coleman replaced McGrath as CEO and Chairman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On November 10, 2008, the company was removed from the S&P 500 index when the market capitalization of the company had fallen below the S&P 500 minimum of $4 billion.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2010, Unisys sold its Medicare processing Health Information Management service to Molina Healthcare for $135 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On October 6, 2014, after six years as CEO and chairman, Unisys announced that Coleman was stepping down effective December 1, 2014.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In December 2014, Unisys named Peter Altabef as its new president and CEO, replacing J. Edward Coleman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The company also announced that Paul Weaver, who was serving as the interim board chairman, would assume that position on a permanent basis as of January 1, 2015.<ref name="Forbes1">Template:Cite news</ref>

In February 2020, SAIC announced plans to acquire Unisys Federal, the company’s federal defense contracting operation, for $1.2 billion.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> The company’s federal customer list included over a dozen military and civilian agencies.<ref name=":0" /> As part of the acquisition, Unisys has a licensing agreement with SAIC to continue providing its software to federal clients.<ref name=":1" />

In June 2020, Australia’s Home Affairs’ biometric identification system, built in part through partnership with Unisys, was launched.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Unisys made several acquisitions in 2021. In June, the company announced the acquisition of Unify Square,<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> which provides software and services which help enterprises manage collaboration and communication platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.<ref name=":3" /> In November, Mobinergy, a mobile device management software company, was acquired;<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and in December, Unisys acquired CompuGain, an Amazon Web Services Advanced Consulting Partner.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In July 2021, Unisys partnered with Vodafone to help the company boost its IT services.<ref name=":9">Template:Cite news</ref> The two launched “Vodafone Digital Factory,” and Unisys helped Vodafone clients with technologies like AI, virtual, and augmented reality, and blockchain.<ref name=":9" />

In May 2022, the company joined the Plug and Play Enterprise Tech program.<ref name=":5">Template:Cite web</ref> This allowed Unisys to source and partner with technology startups to access and use early-stage emerging technology.<ref name=":5" />

On April 1, 2025, Michael M. Thomson, the company’s president and COO, assumed the position of CEO.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Recognition and awards

NelsonHall

• In 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023, Unisys was named a leader in the NelsonHall Evaluation & Assessment Tool (NEAT) Vendor Evaluation for Advanced Digital Workplace Services.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2021 and 2023, Unisys was named a Leader in Cognitive and Self-Healing IT Infrastructure Services in NelsonHall's NEAT Assessment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2022 and 2024, Unisys was named a Leader in End-to-End Cloud Infrastructure Services in NelsonHall’s NEAT Assessment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• In 2021 and 2024, Unisys was named a leader in the NEAT Cyber Resiliency Vendor Evaluation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Avasant

• 2021 RadarView – Digital Workplace Services<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Everest Group

• 2022 PEAK Matrix - Cloud Services, Major Contender - North America and Europe<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Forbes

• In 2022, Unisys was named a Forbes’ Best Workplaces for Women.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Products and services

Unisys offers a range of IT services, including:

• Outsourced managed services<ref name=":14" />
• Systems integration and consulting services<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Application management and device management software<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":15">Template:Cite web</ref>
• High end server technology<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":16">Template:Cite news</ref>
• Maintenance and support services<ref name=":14">Template:Cite news</ref>
• Cybersecurity services<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":16" />
• Digital workplace services (DWS)<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":15" /><ref name=":17" />
• Cloud and infrastructure services<ref name=":7" />
• Enterprise computing services<ref name=":7" />
• Business process services<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":16" />
• Field services and support<ref name=":16" />

Unisys operates data centers around the world to support its service offerings.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Digital Workplace Services (DWS)

In March 2022, Vision-Box awarded Unisys two digital workplace solutions contracts to help build automated “SmartGates,” electronic security gates, at New Zealand’s Auckland International Airport and Australia’s 10 international airports.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":17">Template:Cite web</ref>

Cloud, Applications, and Infrastructure (CA & I)

California State University used Unisys’ CloudForte and Managed Security Services to integrate its hybrid-cloud environment.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref>

After acquiring Compugain, Unisys furthered its cloud capabilities, including hybrid cloud and cloud optimization, agile cloud migration, cloud-native capabilities, and data governance.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cybersecurity

In November 2020, Unisys updated its Stealth platform to include visualization and dashboard tools to make it easier for an organization to track security in real-time.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref> The new version made it possible for cybersecurity teams to see relationships between all network endpoints, including multiple clouds and edge computing platforms.<ref name=":4" />

Enterprise Computing (ECS)

Unisys was the first to develop a server architecture that supported four operating environments to run simultaneously on the same computer system in a single virtualized partition.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2013, Unisys won a $650 million Enterprise Computing Center Support contract to support the computer systems used by the Internal Revenue Service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Business Processes (BPS)

Unisys launched their business process consulting service in 2004. This service called Business Blueprints helped developers create high level models of their own software.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The company partners with Rubicon Technologies to deliver business process solutions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Partnerships

Unisys’ partnerships include:

• VMware<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Oracle<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• British Telecom<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Dell Technologies<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) MSP Partner and an AWS Government Competency<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Microsoft Azure Expert MSP partner and a Microsoft Gold Partner<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Global managed services partner to ServiceNow<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Google Cloud Partner Advantage Program as a Google Cloud and Google Workspace Resell Partner<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Clients

Clients include Bank ABC,<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> Hershey,<ref name=":2" /> the Bank of China,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Somos,<ref name=":2" /> Henkel,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Flowserve,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> MASkargo (the cargo division of Malaysia Airlines),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Nutreco,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> California State University (CSU),<ref name=":1" /> Air India,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> RAMS Home Loans,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the Georgia Technology Authority.<ref name=":2" />

Unisys systems are used for many industrial and government purposes, including banking, check processing, income tax processing, airline passenger reservations, biometric identification, newspaper content management, and shipping port management, as well as providing weather data services.

Projects

Additional projects include the following:

Consumerization of IT

A study sponsored by Unisys and conducted by IDC revealed the gap between the activities and expectations of the new generation of "iWorkers" and the ability of organizations to support their needs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The results showed that organizations continue to work with standardized command and control IT models of the past and are not able to profit from the widespread use of newer networked technologies.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Cloud 20/20

Cloud 20/20 is an annual technical paper contest for tertiary students from India in October 2009.Template:Cn The contest allows students to explore the possibilities and complexities of cloud computing in areas such as automation, virtualization, application development, security, consumerization of IT and airports.Template:Cn The contest has drawn participation from universities across India, with over 570 institutes taking part in 2009 and more than a thousand in 2010. The contest culminates in an event where five finalists present their papers before a panel of judges that comprise academicians and technologists. Prizes include the latest technology gadgets, internship projects and career opportunities with Unisys.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

People and Culture

Unisys earned a score of 100% on the 2021 Disability Equality Index. The company was recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”<ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref> The Disability Equality Index is a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities.<ref name=":10" /> It is a “comprehensive benchmarking tool to measure disability workplace inclusion.”<ref name=":10" />

In November 2021, Unisys launched its UGrow program to help its employees grow internally.<ref name=":11">Template:Cite web</ref> The program makes different courses available; each one focuses on skills needed by Unisys employees.<ref name=":11" /> Company employees also have access to Unisys University, which offers free certifications for over 100 different skills.<ref name=":11" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A few examples include courses focused on management and team leadership skills, communication skills, and culture courses.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The courses are organized around Unisys’ core business functions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Supplier Diversity Program

Unisys has a supplier diversity program, which is a program that “encourages using companies owned by either minorities, veterans, women, or historically underutilized companies as suppliers.”<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Carbon Footprint Reduction

In 2006, Unisys committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 75% by 2026.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite web</ref> It achieved this five years early in 2021.<ref name=":12" /> A year later, the company announced a new goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.<ref name=":12" /> The company also participates in the Carbon Disclosure Project and UN Global Compact.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Controversies

In 1987, Unisys was sued with Rockwell Shuttle Operations Company for $5.2 million by two former employees of the Unisys Corporation, one a subcontractor responsible for the computer programs for the space shuttle.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The suit filed by Sylvia Robins, a former Unisys engineer, and Ria Solomon, who worked for Robins, charges that the two were forced from their jobs and harassed after complaining about safety violations and inflated costs.

Unisys overcharged the U.S. government and was found guilty of failure to supply adequate equipment in 1998.<ref>[1] Government Contract Fraud 12/03/1998 (Date of Settlement Announcement)</ref> In 1998, Unisys Corporation agreed to pay the government $2.25 million to settle allegations that it supplied refurbished, rather than new, computer materials to several federal agencies in violation of the terms of its contract. Unisys admitted to supplying re-worked or refurbished computer components to various civilian and military agencies in the early 1990s, when the contract required the company to provide new equipment. The market price for the refurbished material was less than the price for new material which the government paid.

In 1998, Unisys was found guilty of price inflation and government contract fraud, with the company settling to avoid further prosecution.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lockheed Martin and Unisys paid the government $3.15 million to settle allegations that Unisys inflated the prices of spare parts sold to the U.S. Department of Commerce for its NEXRAD Doppler Radar System, in violation of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, et seq. "[T]he settlement resolves allegations that Unisys knew that prices it paid Concurrent Computer Corporation for the spare parts were inflated when it passed on those prices to the government. Unisys had obtained price discounts from Concurrent on other items Unisys was purchasing from Concurrent at Unisys' own expense in exchange for agreeing to pay Concurrent the inflated prices".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In October 2005, The Washington Post reported that the company had allegedly overbilled on the $1-to-3-billion Transportation Security Administration contract for almost 171,000 hours of labor and overtime at up to the maximum rate of $131.13 per hour, including 24,983 hours not allowed by the contract. Unisys denied wrongdoing.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2006, The Washington Post reported that the FBI was investigating Unisys for alleged cybersecurity lapses under the company's contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A number of security lapses supposedly occurred during the contract, including incidents in which data was transmitted to Chinese servers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Unisys denies all charges and said it has documentation disproving the allegations.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2007, Unisys was found guilty of misrepresentation of retiree benefits.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A federal judge in Pennsylvania ordered Unisys to reinstate within 60 days free lifetime retiree medical benefits to 12 former employees who were employed by a Unisys predecessor, the Burroughs Corporation. The judge ruled that Unisys "misrepresented the cost and duration of retiree medical benefits" at a time "trial plaintiffs were making retirement decisions" and while it was advising them about the benefits the company would provide during retirement.

Also in 2007, Unisys was found guilty of willful trademark infringement in Visible Systems v. Unisys (Trademark Infringement).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Computer company Visible Systems prevailed over Unisys Corp. in a trademark infringement lawsuit filed in Massachusetts federal court. In November 2007, the court entered an injunction and final judgment ordering Unisys to discontinue its use of the "Visible" trademark, upholding the jury's award to Visible Systems of $250,000 in damages, and awarding an additional $17,555 in interest. Visible Systems claimed Unisys wrongfully used the name "Visible" in marketing its software and services. The jury found the infringement by Unisys was willful. Visible Systems appealed the final judgment, believing the court wrongly excluded the issues of bad faith and disgorgement of an estimated $17 billion in unjust profits from the consideration of the jury.

In 2010, Unisys Hungary terminated the local Workers' Union representative Gabor Pinter's employment contract with immediate effect for raising concerns about unpaid overtime and the company's non-respect of the health regulations in its local Shared Services Center. According to the 2012 verdict of the Labour Court of Budapest, Unisys acted illegally and was ordered to pay unpaid wages and benefits, legal costs, and three months' average salary as compensation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

External links

• Template:Official website