PLANO, Texas, August 20 /PRNewswire/ --

EDS today announced that Ovum, an IT analyst and research organization, has awarded it top status in the 2008 Ovum Navigator(TM) for European Applications Outsourcing. This recognition places EDS among the top three vendors in Europe in applications outsourcing (i), acknowledging EDS' strength in execution and strategy. The Ovum Navigator report aims to give CIOs and their teams an independent perspective on vendors who provide applications outsourcing services in Europe, and to help them determine which vendors are the best fit for them. The report evaluated 11 vendors and looks to guide potential users of applications outsourcing services.

Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research of larger users of applications outsourcing services in both the public and private sectors, Ovum evaluated EDS against criteria relating to the strategy and execution of projects. Besides EDS' strengths in applications execution and strategy, the following reasons were among those highlighted by the report, through interviews with EDS, IT professionals and EDS clients:

-- Market prominence -- EDS is widely regarded as a leading global outsourcer. -- Client-centric and account-driven approach to contracts, resulting in flexibility in both contract negotiations and in contracts. -- Partnering effectiveness -- investment in partnering with other vendors, such as Microsoft, SAP and Oracle through the EDS Agility Alliance, has paid dividends. -- Acquisitions of MphasiS and RelQ have bought a large volume of offshore applications skills, which is benefiting EDS clients.

"We are delighted that customer research and Ovum's evaluation have placed us among the top three vendors of applications outsourcing, a clear reflection of our flexible, client-driven approach," said Craig Wilson, EDS vice president for EMEA Applications Services Field Operations. "As our clients' business ally, EDS takes nearly 50 years of outsourcing experience and tailors applications strategies that effectively let clients do what they do best -- manage their business."

EDS serves more than 550 applications services clients worldwide through more than 45,000 applications delivery resources in 41 countries.

A complimentary copy of the report may be obtained at http://www.eds.com/services/apps.

About EDS

EDS (NYSE: EDS) is a leading global technology services company delivering business solutions to its clients. EDS founded the information technology outsourcing industry more than 46 years ago. Today, EDS delivers a broad portfolio of information technology and business process outsourcing services to clients in the manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, communications, energy, transportation, and consumer and retail industries and to governments around the world. Learn more at eds.com.

(i) Applications Outsourcing covers a number of service areas, specifically;

-- Applications management/support -- Applications development -- Other application lifecycle services, such as testing and application consulting/audit -- Services covering bespoke and legacy applications -- Services covering packaged applications including SAP, Oracle and Microsoft.

These services fall under Ovum's definition of applications outsourcing when a contract over three years or more in length exists, and also involves a transfer of people and/or assets

CONTACT: Annabelle Baxter - EDS +1-972 605 0978 annabelle.baxter@eds.com

Web site: http://www.eds.com

Annabelle Baxter of EDS, +1-972-605-0978, annabelle.baxter@eds.com