Unisys Corporation on Thursday introduced the first in a planned series of managed cloud solutions for its ClearPath family of mainframe servers.

ClearPath Cloud Development and Test Solution is a "platform as a service" (PaaS) solution. It extends Unisys strategy for delivering secure IT services in the cloud and sets the stage for delivery of further ClearPath Cloud solutions in the near future.

"With the ClearPath Cloud Solutions, Unisys enables ClearPath clients to leverage a new, cost-efficient business model for use of IT resources," said Bill Maclean, vice president, ClearPath portfolio management, Unisys. "Clients can subscribe to and access Unisys-owned computing facilities incrementally to modernize existing ClearPath applications or develop new ones. They can avoid unscheduled capital equipment expenditures in this uncertain economy and make more efficient use of their existing ClearPath systems for applications critical to their business mission.

"Establishing this new cloud-based server environment for delivery of ClearPath development services is just the latest step Unisys has taken to give clients new ways to capitalize on what we believe is the most modern, secure, open mainframe platform on the market," Maclean added.

New Test and Development Solution Makes It Easy to Jump into the Cloud
In a recent Unisys online poll, 46 percent of respondents - the largest single percentage response to any question in the poll - cited development and test environments as the first workloads they would consider moving to the cloud. The Unisys ClearPath Cloud Development and Test Solution, hosted at Unisys outsourcing center in Eagan, Minnesota and available to clients around the world, simplifies the transition to the cloud.

The solution is designed to supplement clients' current development and test environments, providing access to additional virtual resources when needed for creation, modernization and functional testing of specific applications. It provides expanded infrastructure sourcing options; accelerates delivery of business functionality to help clients hold down costs and keep projects on schedule; and provides a new approach that helps minimize the risks of large, costly IT projects.

Clients who choose the ClearPath Cloud Development and Test Solution purchase a three-month development-and test-block license to use virtual resources in the Unisys hosted server cloud environment. This gives them access to a ready-to-go development environment that includes:

• A Software Developer's Kit (SDK) for the Unisys MCP or OS 2200 operating environment, including relevant database software and development tools;
• A virtual development server, with amounts of memory, storage and networking resources sized to the specific development and testing requirement; and
• Software enhancement releases and maintenance support services.

Clients can use this solution to develop or enhance native ClearPath applications, integrate SOA technology to create composite applications or add functions such as business intelligence. The development environment can accommodate Unisys Business Information Server (BIS), Enterprise Application Environment (EAE)/AB Suite and other development environments.

Unisys engineering organization has deployed this solution for its internal system software development and testing, cutting virtual server provisioning time from days to less than an hour while avoiding the cost of additional capital equipment.

Services Amplify Value of ClearPath Cloud Development and Test Solution
Unisys offers optional Development and Test Planning and Setup Services to help clients define, implement and tune the best development environment for their specific initiative.

Clients can also purchase Unisys Cloud Transformation Services, which help the client design and implement the right cloud strategy to support their evolving business needs. Plus, those using the solution for application modernization can opt for Unisys Application Advisory Solutions. These services help the client determine how best to streamline the environment for maximum return on investment - for example, consolidating applications, integrating SOA capabilities, or enabling wireless, web, or social-media access.

The ClearPath Cloud Development and Test Solution draws on the infrastructure behind Unisys Secure Cloud Solution for provisioning and resource management - including Unisys Converged Remote Infrastructure Management Suite solution offering, which provides a unified view of an entire IT infrastructure to facilitate integrated management.

Future ClearPath Cloud Solutions for Enhanced Production and Recovery
Over the next several months, Unisys plans to launch additional ClearPath Cloud Solutions that, when available, will give clients new options for realizing the operational and economic advantages of cloud services. The currently planned solutions include: