Sequent Computer Systems Ltd, Weybridge, Surrey, has won a #1.2m contract from Nuclear Electric – the UK’s state-owned nuclear power generator – to supply 15 Symmetry 2000/200 systems, which replace existing ICL Plc mainframes. After trials with Sequent and ICL kit, Nuclear Electric said ICL’s DRS 6000 Unix systems failed to meet the requirements it had set, including an open-ended, upgradable system, high application performance and a complete integration plan. Nuclear Electric’s information technology service manager Mike Wall said ICL didn’t convince us they could provide the necessary integration requirements. The Symmetrys will be installed in 13 power stations and seven administration sites around the UK, running Peterborough Software Ltd’s OpenDoor personnel management software. One system is up and running now, and the others are to be in by the end of April.
