Unisys Corporation UIS, +5.35% announced that the Georgia Technology Authority – a new client for Unisys – has selected the company to provide a new hybrid-cloud solution through which the Georgia government agencies it serves will be able to deliver state services to Georgia's nine million citizens more efficiently and at a lower cost – all while having access to greater support from information technology professionals.

Valued at up to $219 million if all options are exercised, the solution will enable the state to shift its focus from just maintaining traditional technology to safeguarding all citizen information and simplifying the process of transacting business within the state. For example, agency employees will be able to access services through Single Sign-On, which improves the user experience by enabling movement among applications seamlessly and securely without having to specify credentials each time.

The security of the new solution will be protected by Unisys Stealth®, the company's microsegmentation software. The solution will allow for the introduction of new services, clearing the way for innovation while ensuring the state is not locked into outdated technology. In addition, it will ensure that users can access a larger pool of support and operations people via highly-trained Unisys associates based in the Unisys office in Augusta, Ga.

"The Georgia Technology Authority congratulates Unisys on its recent award of the Server contract. We are extremely excited about the future as Unisys prepares to commence services in January 2019," said Dean Johnson, GTA's Chief Operating Officer.

Unisys as Cloud Broker

Under the terms of the contract, which runs for 5.5 years followed by three 12-month option periods, Unisys will act as a cloud broker, enabling the state to enhance its existing IT infrastructure with a more modern and secure hybrid cloud environment that includes access to the Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure public clouds.

As the cloud broker, Unisys is responsible for managing the state's computing and data storage environment as well as providing deployment, technology refresh, patching, trouble shooting and asset management services. In addition to its cloud broker role, the state has options to acquire additional digital government services from Unisys that simplify access to services by both state employees and citizens.

"This contract award illustrates the GTA's commitment to a more efficient shared services business model that delivers a more desired outcome for its citizens," said Michael Morrison, vice president and general manager for Unisys in the United States and Canada. "In our role as a broker and transformation partner to the state, Unisys will work with Georgia's IT leaders to execute their digital government vision."