CGI-AMS, part of CGI Group Inc. (TSX: GIB.A; NYSE: GIB), today announced the launch of the successful upgrade of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' financial system, based on the AMS Advantage® suite of solutions. Processing a $36 billion annual budget, this is the largest statewide implementation of a Web-based financial management system. Through this Web-based suite specifically designed for governments, real-time financial transactions and business intelligence are managed effectively and efficiently, saving government and its citizens both time and money.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts began production operation of NewMMARS, less than two years after project initiation. NewMMARS will support the Commonwealth's eGovernment initiatives and lower their total cost of ownership by moving from a heavily customized application to a commercial off-the-shelf solution. NewMMARS supports 5000 users across 157 departments in all branches of government performing the full breadth of financial and labor cost management functions.
"Total cost of ownership and a proven track record in state government were two of the critical factors in choosing AMS Advantage. We have finally moved to an off-the-shelf solution that can be used by the Commonwealth and have the tools necessary to maintain it in house. This will greatly reduce costs for years to come while enhancing our ability to manage the fiscal operations of the Commonwealth. Getting to here on time and within budget is a testament to CGI-AMS's deep domain and implementation expertise," said Martin Benison, comptroller, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Donna Morea, president, CGI-AMS added: "This implementation illustrates our continuing ability to deliver real business results for the largest and most complex government organizations. It's the combination of software and implementation expertise that makes the difference in a big undertaking like NewMMARS. Over 30 other clients have chosen to upgrade to Web-based AMS Advantage, so we know that this solution helps them meet their business goals."
CGI-AMS's current ERP offering incorporates more than 30 years of government experience and knowledge in the public sector market. AMS Advantage is a flexible, module-based solution that automates document workflow, decreases paperwork and ultimately improves customer service and facilitates decision-making.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent information technology and business process services firms in North America. 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 United States, Europe, Asia Pacific as well as from centers of excellence in India and Canada. CGI's annualized revenue run rate is currently CDN$3.8 billion (US$2.8 billion) and at March 31, 2004, CGI's order backlog was CDN$12.0 billion (US$9.1 billion). CGI's shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB) and are included in the TSX Composite Index as well as the S&P/TSX Canadian Information Technology and Canadian MidCap Indices. Website: www.cgi.com.
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. These statements represent CGI Group Inc.'s 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.
These factors include and are not restricted to the timing and size of contracts, acquisitions and other corporate developments; the ability to attract and retain qualified employees; 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 Group Inc.'s Annual Report or Form 40-F filed with the SEC, the Company's Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities authorities, 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, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. In particular, statements relating to future revenue from outsourcing contracts are forward-looking statements. CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
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For more information:
Investor relations
Ronald White
Director, Investor relations
(514) 841-3230
Media relations
Eileen Murphy
Director, Media relations
(514) 841-3430
