CGI Group Inc. (NYSE: GIB, TSX: GIB.A), today announced that they have been selected as a strategic technology partner and contributing force to TerreStar Networks Inc.'s architecture that will support the launch of the first all IP-enabled mobile network. TerreStar Networks Inc. is a subsidiary of Motient Corporation (MNCP) and an emerging North American mobile communications operator.
Throughout this multi-phase partnership, CGI will provide TerreStar a broad range of consulting and support services based on its considerable experience with IMS-based (IP Multimedia Subsystem) service delivery. Initially, CGI and TerreStar defined the Operational Support Systems and Business Support Systems (OSS-BSS) architectures and conducted a rigorous evaluation process to create solutions that will bring best-of-breed technology to TerreStar's overall mobile communications service.
"We consider CGI to be our trusted advisor in this multi-phased roll-out of our next generation, all-IP network," said Doug Sobieski, Senior Vice President, Managed Solutions for TerreStar. "CGI's expertise and track record of delivering quality services will support TerreStar's goal to deliver differentiated next generation services faster, better and more efficiently than any other service provider."
As existing service providers and small, medium and large enterprises ramp up 4G networks, they will require an all IP, web services oriented OSS-BSS infrastructure. CGI and TerreStar will jointly develop the business plan to take the OSS-BSS system being developed to the broader market.
"We understand the need of our clients to get to market more efficiently and cost-effectively than their competition," said Nazzic Turner, Senior Vice President of CGI. "CGI is proud to be identified as a strategic technology partner of TerreStar's architecture team. When launched, TerreStar's unique all IP, integrated satellite and cellular technology will enable them to deliver high quality, cost-effective, seamless wireless services to urban, rural and remote regions throughout North America. TerreStar's 4G OSS-BSS has potentially wide ranging applicability to the telecommunications industry, and we intend to work closely with TerreStar to leverage its value on behalf of service providers."
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is one of the largest independent information technology (IT) and business process services firms in the world. CGI and its affiliated companies employ approximately 25,000 professionals. CGI provides end-to-end IT and business process services to clients worldwide from offices in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific as well as from centers of excellence in Canada and the U.S., Europe and India. CGI's annualized revenue run rate is currently $3.5 billion (US$3.1 billion) and at June 30, 2006, CGI's order backlog was $13.3 billion (US$11.9 billion). CGI's shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB) and are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index as well as the S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology and MidCap Indices. Website: www.cgi.com.
About TerreStar
TerreStar Networks Inc. (www.terrestar.com) plans to build, own and operate North America's first next-generation integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial communications network that will provide universal access and tailored applications throughout North America over conventional wireless devices. With a first-to-market launch strategy in 2008, TerreStar expects to offer customer-designed products and applications over a fully optimized 4G IP network.
About Motient Corporation
Motient (MNCP) is the controlling shareholder of TerreStar Networks Inc. and a minority shareholder of Mobile Satellite Ventures LP. For additional information on Motient, please visit the company's website at www.motient.com.
CGI Forward- Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Ontario Securities Act, as amended. These statements and this information represent CGI Group Inc.'s ("CGI") intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, of which many are beyond the control of the Company. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. These factors include and are not restricted to the timing and size of new contracts, acquisitions and other corporate developments; the ability to attract and retain qualified members; market competition in the rapidly-evolving information technology industry; general economic and business conditions, foreign exchange and other risks identified in the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") in CGI's Annual Report or Form 40-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (filed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov), and in CGI's annual and quarterly MD&A and Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities authorities (filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com), as well as assumptions regarding the foregoing. The words "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "foresee," "plan," and similar expressions and variations thereof, identify certain of such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. In particular, statements relating to future performance are forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Except to the extent required by law, CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or on this forward-looking information.
-30-
For more information:
CGI
Business Development
Tim W. Atkinson
Vice-President
Telecommunications Sector
tim.atkinson@cgi.com
(703) 267-2203
Media Relations
Kirsten Paragona
Director, Corporate Communications
kirsten.paragona@cgi.com
(978) 569-6111
TerreStar
Julie Cram
Vice-President
Corporate Communications
julie.cram@terrestar.com
(703) 346-9899
