Bull HN Information Systems Ltd has formed a new division to handle what it says is a demand from its customers for facilities management services. The new Athesa UK, based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, will taking in computing services washing for both Bull and non-Bull users, and joins existing systems integration and customer service divisions. Facilities management of Bull legacy systems will provide a core of early business, but Athesa wants to be strictly vendor-neutral, and also has its eye on desktop and network management, applications management, disaster recovery and facilities management of business operations. It already handles desktop management worldwide for Glaxo Plc. The division currently employs some 60 staff. Brian Gunn, Athesa UK director, says he hopes to have cornered some 10% of the market within three years, to rival current 20% market holder Hoskyns Group Plc. In France, Compagnie des Machines Bull SA has already set up Athena International in conjunction with computer services company CISI SA, and subsidiaries are expected to be set up in Germany and Italy soon.
