Supervalu embarks on IT transformation

Eager to strengthen operations across its enterprise, Supervalu is moving to the cloud.



Through a strategic relationship with Sungard Availability Services (Sungard AS), the grocery company is replacing its mainframe technology infrastructure with a new mainframe platform that will offer cloud, back-up, and other solutions and services. The new configuration is designed to improve operations across the independent retailers it supports.



Together, the two companies will replace Supervalu's legacy mainframe IT environment under a transformation program aimed at reducing costs, improving flexibility, and supporting service to its network of more than 2,000 grocery stores. This transition will enable the company to use technology smartly and better compete in an increasingly demanding and competitive grocery environment.



Through the agreement, Supervalu will upgrade the technology without requiring an upfront investment. It also offers Supervalu an opportunity to move many of its workloads into a secure, highly-scalable cloud platform. The company will also replace fixed-cost, in-house equipment with variable-cost services that can be scaled as needed. The platform enables Supervalu to also deliver a full suite of Sungard AS cloud and recovery services to its retailers.



"We plan to strengthen operations across our enterprise and add shareholder value by transforming our approach to technology," said Chad Mead, CTO at Supervalu. "Technology has become an essential factor in competing in this market, and our planning with Sungard AS suggests that we can build a more flexible and responsive mainframe infrastructure that drives growth."