Unisys (UIS) is expanding its China operations with the launch of a new global sourcing services, software development and technology center in Shanghai.

Over the next three years, the company expects to expand global sourcing operations in China beyond Shanghai and employ approximately 1,000 people. The center will provide software development, information technology and business process outsourcing services, technical help desk services and technology support and maintenance services.

Announcing the launch of the expanded China operations, Cal Killen, vice president, Unisys Global Services said, "Now more than ever, Unisys clients require global sourcing options to further their business strategies, manage costs and optimize their return on IT and services investments. This expansion of our China operations extends Unisys long-term commitment to providing global sourcing options that meet clients' continually evolving demands in an increasingly competitive global marketplace."

In addition to providing global sourcing support, the multi-purpose Shanghai facility serves as the Open Source center of excellence, where Unisys will develop and deploy an open source software environment that measurably improves customers' capability to realize key benefits of secure business operations: greater access to tools for development of mission-critical business applications, minimized risk and improved operational efficiency and cost control. The center can accommodate 250 seats and has the capability to expand to 550 total seats.

"The opening of the Shanghai center shows that Unisys has made a strong commitment to our long-term development in the China market," said David Fu, vice president and general manager, Unisys Greater China. "The Shanghai center will serve our clients well by providing them with an offshore cost advantage that is fully integrated into Unisys global solutions, technology expertise and service delivery infrastructure."

Unisys China operations already include offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Key Chinese clients include TravelSky, Air China, Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, ICBC and PBOC.