News
Unisys to Support Ascend Technology
- By Scott Bekker
- November 17, 1998
Unisys Corp. (Blue Bell, Pa.,
www.unisys.com) and Ascend Communications Inc. (Alameda, Calif.,
www.ascend.com) today announced a strategic relationship in which Unisys will provide on-site global service for the complete Ascend product line.
The alliance represents a significant expansion of the relationship established by Ascend and Unisys in 1996, and enables Ascend to enhance its on-site support and service capabilities by leveraging the Unisys global service delivery infrastructure. Through the expanded agreement, Ascend will provide its customers with round-the-clock on-site technical response in as little as two hours across the entire Ascend product line in 51 countries.
Additionally, the Unisys cadre of certified network engineers are available to install and test Ascend WAN switching and remote access products. Unisys also will handle inventory and logistics management services for the consistent and timely dispatch of both field engineers and required parts worldwide.
For seamless service management from first call to closure of service requests, Ascend has opted for direct electronic access to the Unisys global service request and dispatch system.
"For Ascend customers, the network is the business," commented Steve Martin, vice president and general manager of Emerging Markets, Unisys Global Customer Services. "The worldwide, 24-by-7 service represented by this alliance enhances Ascend's position and capability to deliver rapid implementation, proactive support and fast-cycle on-site response needed to keep these networks running optimally."
The Ascend relationship is managed through the Unisys Strategic Service Partnership program. Unisys provides its Strategic Service Partners the opportunity to offer a wide range of services around the world -- without having to build or buy their own expanded service capability. The program offers electronic access to a single worldwide service call tracking, management and logistics information system as well as a robust marketing support program.
Unisys solutions are based on a portfolio of global information services including systems integration, outsourcing, "repeatable" application solutions, consulting, network integration, remote network management, and multivendor maintenance and support, coupled with enterprise-class servers and associated middleware, software and storage. Repeatable solutions are focused on key vertical markets including financial services, transportation, telecommunications, government, publishing and other commercial markets. --Brian Ploskina, Assistant Editor
About the Author
Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.