Preem has used two external suppliers for its mainframe computer operations for a considerable time. Outsourcing this function to EDB Unigrid will meet Preem's principal objective of concentrating all its IT operations with a single strategic partner in order to rationalise the operations and allow the company to increase further the focus on its core activities. The agreement implies that Preem will continue to purchase its IT services externally, but using a single supplier will make it easier to predict its IT operations needs and ensure that they are fully satisfied. In an ever-accelerating business environment, Preem recognises that since its IT operations play a critical role in its continuing success it needs a partner that offers both flexibility and stability to meet its changing operational requirements.

 

Preem decided that EDB Unigrid was best placed to satisfy its requirements after seeking proposals from a number of suppliers of computer operating services in Sweden. Håkan Jönsson, Head of IT for Preem Sweden, explains:

 

"We were looking for a strategic partner capable of taking on and developing our IT activities. The transfer of IT operations to EDB Unigrid will allow us to devote even greater focus to our core activities. EDB Unigrid offered a straightforward and clear proposal, with no empty promises. We felt very comfortable with the commitment and pro-active approach they demonstrated", explains Håkan Jönsson, Head of IT for Preem Sweden.

 

Preem's IT operating environments will be transferred to EDB Unigrid's computer operating centre in Tomteboda. EDB Unigrid will be responsible for IT support for Preem's 600 sales outlets around the country, as well as providing administrative IT support to the company's head office in Stockholm. These new arrangements are aimed at improving Preem's IT operating environments in both technical and cost terms and creating greater efficiency. The new arrangements are expected to start production in June 2003 and will be implemented in two stages between June and October 2003. EDB Unigrid has extensive experience of transferring IT environments, and this is clearly essential to satisfy the requirements of a customer as large as Preem. Björn Nilsson, Managing Director of EDB Unigrid comments:

 

"We are very pleased that Preem is entrusting us with the operation of its mainframe operations. We have many years of experience of similar assignments, and look forward to a long-lasting and close collaboration which will give us the opportunity to develop Preem's IT operating environments to meet the company's future requirements."

 

For all its assignments EDB Unigrid brings together an experienced team which works in close co-operation with the customer on all aspects from the start of the relationship in order to ensure an extra degree of service and to ensure a rapid response to the customer's requirements and changing situation. This approach was welcomed by Preem in its negotiations with EDB Unigrid.

 

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Preem is the largest oil company in Sweden, and the company has two refineries that produce almost 14 million cubic metres of oil products, equivalent to the entire Swedish consumption. Exports account for around 50% of production, making Preem one of the largest Swedish exporters. Preem operates a nationwide network of around 600 petrol stations. Over half of all Swedish homes are heated by oil from Preem. More than 50% of Swedish industry and one-third of small companies rely on Preem for heating and power.  Every third truck and every second tractor in Sweden runs on diesel produced at Preem's refineries. Preem reported turnover of SEK 36.4 billion in 2001, and the group has around 4,000 employees.

 

 

EDB Unigrid is one of the leading suppliers of IT operating solutions and network services for customers with business-critical systems. EDB Unigrid has around 140 employees and is part of the Norwegian IT group EDB Business Partner, which has around 2,900 employees in nine countries and reported turnover of around SEK 6 billion in 2001. EDB Unigrid offers operating services for all the major platforms such as NT, Unix, AS/400, Tandem and IBM mainframes. The company takes on responsibility for the implementation, operation and administration of its customers' IT systems, allowing customers to focus on their own business activities. EDB Unigrid's customer list includes leading companies from banking and finance, the travel and logistics sector and retail trade.

 

 

 

Björn Nilsson

Managing Director, EDB Unigrid

Tel: +46 8-762 51 71

Mobil: +46 70-762 51 71

E-mail: bjorn.nilsson@edbunigrid.com

 

John-Arne Haugerud

CEO, EDB Business Partner ASA