Nearly 1,000 Sprint PCS Connection Cards plus a range of wireless voice and data services helping Getronics lead the way in mobility
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – May 29, 2004 – After a successful pilot program in 2003, Getronics, a leading global information and communication technology services and solutions provider, is quickly expanding its use of wireless data services from Sprint (NYSE: FON). Getronics will soon deploy a total of nearly 1,000 Sprint PCS connection cards for its highly mobile field service force.
Sprint, which also provides a range of other wireline voice and data services and wireless voice services and devices to Getronics, has teamed with wireless systems integrator USAT to provide device provisioning and logistical support for the two-phase implementation. Getronics will use its expanded wireless capabilities to stay connected on a 24x7 basis to its nationally deployed organization of field service professionals. Getronics will also enable real-time access to all corporate data and applications for the well-traveled members of its executive team.
“It is essential for the people who service our clients on a daily basis to have immediate access to all of the knowledge resources within Getronics regardless of location. For our field service force, access to the information they need, when they need it ensures that Getronics can meet our clients’ service level agreements. More importantly, it ensures that our clients are able to profit from their IT investments,” said Romolo Pallini, Getronics director of networks and telecom.
“We knew that it was time for an upgraded solution that would give us more bandwidth and broader coverage. We evaluated a number of options and selected Sprint because they offered the best combination of technology, service, and price. Getronics has a highly trained field service force. By equipping them with the latest technology and supporting them with a host of resources, we can help our clients reduce the total cost of ownership of their business and IT systems by ensuring that these systems are highly available and maintained on a 24x7 basis. ”
Wireless data continues to be a strong growth opportunity for Sprint. In its first quarter earnings, the company reported the addition of one million new Sprint PCS Vision SM subscribers and annualized wireless data revenues of $713 million, a 32 percent improvement from the fourth quarter of 2003.
“Customers like Getronics demonstrate the unique value that Sprint can deliver in terms of providing wireline voice and data and wireless voice and data for a customer,” said Paul Deering, vice president, Sprint Business – Northeast area. “At Sprint, we understand customer communications requirements, and we offer an end-to-end, wireless and wireline, voice and data solution. Getronics operates significant offices and call centers, and it has an extensive mobile field service force and a very progressive approach to reaching its customers. Sprint brings all of the pieces together to help Getronics meet its needs and serve its clients.”
About Getronics
With approximately 22,000 employees in over 30 countries and ongoing revenues of EUR 2.6 billion in 2003, Getronics is one of the world's leading providers of vendor-independent Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions and services. Getronics today combines the capabilities of the original Dutch company with those of Wang Global, acquired in 1999, and of the systems and services division of Olivetti. Getronics is ranked second worldwide in network and desktop outsourcing and fourth worldwide in network consulting and integration (Source: IDC 2002-2003).
Getronics designs, integrates and manages ICT infrastructures and business solutions for many of the world's largest global and local companies and organizations, helping them maximize the value of their information technology investments. Getronics headquarters are in Amsterdam, with regional offices in Boston and Singapore. Getronics’ shares are traded on Euronext Amsterdam (‘GTN’). For further information visit www.getronics.com/us.
About USAT
USAT Corp, a privately held company headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC, is a field communications systems integrator that specializes in ruggedized computers, reliable wireless data communication systems, and technology installation services. As part of USAT's wireless offering, USAT provides wireless WAN modems and activations and installations. Since USAT's clients often contend with harsh environmental factors during day-to-day operations, USAT makes it a priority to provide technology solutions built on durable, industry-tested hardware. A full-service hardware partner, USAT provides and installs ruggedized laptops, handhelds, printers, data modems, GPS receivers and specialized antennas into vehicles and non-traditional work environments. USAT also offers client services focused on helping companies successfully manage a large deployment of communications technology into vehicle fleets or remote locations. Smart Workers, Smart Machines, Smart Grids.
About Sprint
Sprint is a global integrated communications provider serving more than 26 million customers in over 100 countries. With approximately 65,000 employees worldwide and over $26 billion in annual revenues in 2003, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States’ first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint provides local communications services in 39 states and the District of Columbia and operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.
