STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 23, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- WM-data (Pink Sheets:WMDTF) is investing in the establishment of a SAP Competence Center in Malmo that will offer users of the SAP business system cost-efficient and total-package support and management services. At the same time, WM- data has signed an agreement with Sydkraft to incorporate Sydkraft's existing SAP Support Center into the new structure at WM-data. The Sydkraft Group, which is in the final stages of an extensive SAP installation project, has decided to outsource the help-desk and support functions to an external contractor. WM-data has been assigned principal responsibility for the contract, which is initially worth approximately SEK 125 M during a five-year period.
The investment in establishing a SAP Competence Center strengthens WM- data's offering within the SAP area and the deal with Sydkraft consolidates WM-data's already strong position as an IT supplier to companies in the energy sector.
- Now, as the introduction of SAP within Sydkraft enters its final stage, we can see that our business and operating needs can best be met by outsourcing the support to a professional external contractor, says Jan Bengtsson, Executive Vice President at Sydkraft. This means that responsibility for the help-desk and applications support for the standard modules in SAP and the sector-specific program modules for the energy sector (IS/U) used within Sydkraft will now be transferred to WM-data. WM-data is well acquainted with our industry and with Sydkraft's operations in particular. Jointly with its partners, Atos Origin and Ementor, WM-data has clearly demonstrated that the team has the experience and know-how needed to meet our needs.
- We see major export potential within the area of business system support and management says Crister Stjernfelt, President and CEO of WM-data. Many companies and large organizations have already chosen standard solutions such as SAP and the need for support and future upgrades will be substantial. However, it will be expensive and resource-intensive for companies to handle further development and management themselves, and particularly difficult to maintain the competence needed. As demands increase for business operations support, quality and availability, increasingly more companies are asking for complete, cost-efficient solutions from contractors, and through this investment we are advancing our positions in an attractive and growing market segment.
WM-data was founded in 1969 and is one of the leading IT companies in the Nordic region today. Through a broad offering of design and IT- related services, we create increased efficiency and tangible benefits for our customers. Annual sales amount to approximately SEK 7,000 million, with slightly more than 6,000 employees. For additional information, visit our website: www.wmdata.se
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