Optimus lands deal to integrate NATO computer systems

Four specialists working for Polish IT firm Optimus will be in charge of integrating NATO's strategic command computer systems, according to a euro 1.1 million deal signed by Optimus in Brussels on Friday. This had been Optimus' ninth attempt at working with NATO and the first independent contract signed by the company. According to experts in the field, the prestige of the task is more important than the financial rewards received by companies chosen in such tenders. The Consultation, Command and Control Agency (NC3A) represented NATO in signing the three-year contract. According to NC3A representatives, Optimus was selected for the task as its offer was the lowest of all bids which complied with technological and security requirements. Ninety companies had participated in the tender and 20 submitted their offers. "This contract is much more valuable than a hardware contract because it allows our employees to take part in more advanced projects," said Optimus president Jacek Krawczyk. According to Krawczyk, Optimus also has a chance to land a contract for hardware and server delivery for NATO, provided it wins the tender. (Gazeta Wyborcza, Feb. 23-24, p. 29) M.T.K.