Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) has signed a 10-year agreement to provide Sears, Roebuck and Co. with information technology (IT) infrastructure support services. CSC estimates the value of the agreement to be approximately $1.6 billion over the term of the contract.
Under the agreement, CSC will provide desktop, server, voice and data network support, as well as services for systems supporting Sears-related Web sites and decision-support technology. Sears will retain responsibility for overall technology standards, architecture and service policies.
“We are very pleased to enter into this important agreement with a global retail leader of the stature of Sears,” says CSC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Van B. Honeycutt. “We look forward to applying CSC’s experience, as well as our best practices, process excellence, proven methodologies and continuous innovation, to help Sears achieve its business vision.”
The agreement will allow Sears to focus on its core retail and related services systems while providing improved capabilities coupled with the opportunity for significant operational and cost efficiencies.
“We believe this strategic relationship will be a win-win for Sears and CSC,” adds Sears Chief Information Officer Gerald F. Kelly, Jr. “By working with CSC, Sears will have access to leading-edge technology that allows us to better serve our customers. As a multinational retail and related services company, there’s a significant advantage to Sears to have these services provided by a world-class technology partner like CSC.”
Approximately 200 Sears associates currently manage the company’s technical infrastructure. Under the agreement, the majority are expected to begin transferring to CSC beginning June 12.