Bull lands $32 million contract with state of Michigan; New mainframe system, peripherals, software and services on tap for consolidation of state's data centers.

BILLERICA, Mass--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 9, 1996--Bull announced today that it has signed a five-year contract with the State of Michigan for a new mainframe computer system, including peripherals, software and services, valued at $32.6 million. Following orders for Bull data warehouse systems totaling more than $22 million, the new data center contract solidifies a strategic information management partnership between Bull and the State of Michigan.

The agreement, which involves the consolidation of three of the State's data centers into one, includes the sale of a new Bull DPS 9000/972 tandem mainframe system -- the company's largest enterprise server -- together with memory storage subsystems and new Bull software products, including System Security Manager and Distributed Print Facility. Services will be provided by Integris, Bull's systems integration division. Data center consolidation will begin with the State's education and public health agencies.

"We believe that Bull will continue to be a key player, both in information technology and the implementation of that technology in the years to come," said Gary Swindon, director of computing and telecommunications for the State. "The company's notion of using the `best of breed' products, such as EMC disk drives and STK storage silos, and becoming a systems integrator, is a very solid approach. We feel very comfortable that we are getting the best blend of hardware, software and services available for the money. The success we've had with Bull's RDBC data warehouse solution was a key factor in our decision."

According to Don Zereski, president and CEO of Bull North & South America, "The most significant aspect of this contract is that the State of Michigan had Bull DPS 90 equipment and is upgrading two levels above where they are today - not just to the next level of technology -- but two levels above. We think that speaks highly not only of our solutions and service, but also of the State's far-reaching vision for information technology."

About Bull

With a presence in more than 85 countries, more than 24,000 employees and combined revenue of $5.3 billion in 1995, Bull offers a wide range of systems, infrastructure software and IT services through focused innovation, alliances with the best partners and its own integration expertise. The company's North/South American headquarters are in Billerica, Mass., with significant R&D, marketing and customer support services in Phoenix. Other sales and support offices are located throughout North and South America.

Bull is recognized for innovative products such as Escala servers, Sagister multiframes, CP8 smart cards, plus infrastructure software such as ISM/OpenMaster, for the management of systems and networks. The company's Web address is: http://www.bull.com. -0-

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CONTACT: Bill Bradley 

Bull HN Information Systems Inc.

508/294-5812

[e-mail]