Unisys-microsoft center gives e-business developers early access to Biztalk Server 2004.

Unisys Corporation (NYSE:UIS) has announced the opening of the Team Jupiter Lab as part of the Unisys Microsoft Innovation Center. In the lab, customers can design and deploy applications using the beta version of Microsoft BizTalk Server 2004--the first phase of "Jupiter," the code name for Microsoft's next-generation e-business vision. The lab, now open for customers, is a joint initiative of Unisys and Microsoft, and it is the first in a series of labs that will be launched around the world.

The lab offers customers a structured testing environment for Microsoft BizTalk Server 2004. It also provides certification for independent software vendors that have adapters for Microsoft BizTalk Server 2004. As the foundation for "Jupiter," BizTalk Server 2004 provides critical technologies, including business-process orchestration, single sign-on, human-based workflow and Web services support, to enable customers to build tailored e-business solutions that connect people with information and processes. Using BizTalk Server, customers enable different systems inside and outside a company to communicate and interact smoothly regardless of the operating systems or applications running on the individual computers. This makes business processes and transactions more efficient and cost-effective.

Customers using the lab have access to Microsoft BizTalk Server 2004 support personnel from Unisys and Microsoft. These experts work with customers on any level of solution scenario or system design in a secure and scalable environment.

"The Unisys Team Jupiter Lab provided Thomson Financial with the environment and expertise to immediately realize value through our project," said Jeremy Lehman, senior vice president of Development, Thomson Financial. "We were able to develop our custom BizTalk Adapters in record time while experimenting with different design considerations. We value Unisys as a partner and trusted advisor in the design, development and implementation of our BizTalk Server 2004 solution."

"With system integration and cross organization collaboration at the top of every corporate CIO's to-do list, developers are facing a formidable task," said John Warner, global leader of Unisys Microsoft Solution practice. "The lab gives them a low-risk, low-cost way to develop, test and integrate new e-business applications within and across organizational boundaries, with access to the latest technology and experienced engineers and, most importantly, without disrupting their businesses."

The lab also offers consulting on Unisys Business Blueprinting, industry-specific sets of proven business process solutions built using Microsoft and other industry-standard platforms. Customers in such sectors as healthcare, transportation and insurance, for example, can take advantage of experience Unisys has gained in these industries by implementing pre-tested processes.

"The lab creates an environment where customers can take advantage of the expertise of Unisys and Microsoft engineers to build integrated applications," said David Kiker, general manager for E-Business Servers at Microsoft. "When you add the depth of Unisys experience in the enterprise to Microsoft's integrated e-business solutions, it results in savings of both time and energy for customers moving to the next generation of e-business for a competitive edge."

"We're really excited about the work we're doing with Jupiter and about our partnership with Unisys," said Sanjay Parthasarathy, corporate vice president of the Platform Strategy and Partner Group, Microsoft. "Our shared vision enables us to integrate our technologies and strategies to deliver great value to customers across multiple industries."