Unisys get another punt at Rugby World Cup

Unisys get another punt at Rugby World Cup

Unisys has been named as the official supplier of IT services for this year's Rugby World Cup, continuing an alliance that dates back to the 1991 event.

The role involves the provision of systems integration services, infrastructure management and outsourcing, as well as enterprise server technology to Rugby World Cup 2003 which will take place in Australia in October and November.

"For seven weeks the Rugby World Cup will be one of the largest technology clients in Australia," said Andrew Barkla, Vice President, General Manager, Unisys Asia Pacific. "There is no allowance for dropped passes as spectators, commentators, journalists, fans and followers need immediate, accurate tournament information.

"The Unisys contribution to the success of the Rugby World Cup will be highly visible, with the clear business objectives and accountability that all organisations now demand from their technology partners," he said.

Unisys will build and manage the equipment and services to collect game results and statistics, supply real-time information to international broadcasters and media and distribute tournament data through terminals at media centres across 11 venues around Australia. It will also manage rugby's definitive database of information, including statistics, scores and player profiles dating back to the first international matches in 1881.

The 140-strong Unisys RWC team has already stringently tested the tailored programs and specialised networking infrastructure that will be in place for the tournament during the Wallabies' home Test matches in June against Wales and England.

Mike Miller, Managing Director Rugby World Cup Limited, commented: "Unisys has been on board with RWC since 1991 and we are delighted to continue working with the company in Australia as the official supplier IT services. We look forward to the continuation of a strong and successful relationship."

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