Under this model CGI shall get network computing resources based on usage from Sun and in turn, CGI will offer pay-for-use pricing to customers such as Genome Quebec, a genomics and proteomics investment organization.

This new solution capability at CGI's Life Sciences Solution Center (LS2C) continues Sun's strategy to work with best-in-class partners to provide end-users such as Genome Quebec, the IT resources they need to help them reduce network computing costs and complexities.

"Sun's utility computing model enables CGI to bring even more flexibility and value to our relationship with customers in the Life Sciences sector," stated Michael Roach, president and chief operating officer for CGI. "Moreover, it marks the beginning of a new capability for us to help customers in a variety of industries bring more predictability to their IT costs."

"This alliance is one more example of how Sun's utility computing strategy of working with its leading partners is hitting the mark for customers who want to improve their resource management and align their IT spending to their specific business needs," said Patricia C. Sueltz, executive vice president of Sun Services, leading Sun's utility computing business worldwide. "Ultimately, it comes down to creating value and delivering ROI for our customers."

CGI intends to build on its initial Life Sciences utility computing solution with more custom industry offerings, including for telecommunications, financial services, government, retail and manufacturing.

CGI will use the Sun-powered utility computing solution to:

• provide on-demand computing resources for its enterprise customers;
• operate and manage multiple infrastructure platforms to enable CGI's customers to deploy a UC model in-house or as a hosted/managed service;
• provide value-added services to customers, including applications, security, and other business processes.

"It's no surprise that customers want more choice, flexibility and control," said Stephane Boisvert, President of Sun Canada. "Working together, CGI and Sun are delivering utility computing solutions today that help customers make the most out of their IT investments."