Defense Company Integrates to Realize Globalization Strategy

Reading, UK and Fairfax, VA Ñ February 24, 2003 Ñ Integration software provider webMethods Inc. today announced that BAE SYSTEMS, a defense systems company, is employing the webMethods Integration Platform for integration both within and across its worldwide enterprise as a part of its globalization strategy.

On behalf of BAE SYSTEMS, Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC) conducted an extensive evaluation of five integration suppliers. The evaluation consisted of both technical and business assessments, which addressed criteria such as security, business process management, systems management, product maturity and strategic direction. webMethods was selected for the project after placing first in both categories.

"We recommended the webMethods Integration Platform based on our assessment of the product's technical capability and the fact that the company's direction fits well with BAE SYSTEMS' integration goals and objectives. This project builds on an existing successful relationship between CSC and webMethods in the United States," said Stuart Black, program manager for CSC's BAE SYSTEMS account in the UK.

Using the webMethods Integration Platform, BAE SYSTEMS has linked to Exostar, an online trading exchange for the aerospace and defense industry. The company is currently using webMethods to connect its business applications, such as SAP, Baan and Oracle, in the UK and North America with the Exostar Exchange.

Additionally, webMethods is integrating BAEÕs human resources operations in the UK. By connecting the existing back-office HR systems, BAE SYSTEMS employees are able to access integrated information via a self-service portal.

BAE SYSTEMS said the main reason it is employing the webMethods Integration Platform is to integrate its worldwide business units and streamline supply chain activities across the enterprise. "Complete integration between all of our business units globally will revolutionize how information is used within BAE SYSTEMS and enable us to operate more efficiently as a single entity," said Chris Coupland, IT and e-business director at BAE SYSTEMS.

"As companies expand operations, technology buying decisions and implementations tend to be managed by local offices and individual business units, often making it difficult to see what is happening across global operations," said Darren Oberst, vice president and general manager, Industries and Alliances, webMethods Inc. "Using the webMethods Integration Platform, BAE SYSTEMS receives a single view of the enterprise, gaining a clear picture of the health of its global business operations."