MCLEAN, Va., May 16, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced it has earned the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 20000:2005 certification, which benchmarks the company's industry-leading approach and capability in delivering world-class information technology managed services, measuring service levels, assessing performance and implementing continuous improvement.
The certification is based on the adoption of Information Technology Infrastructure Library best practices. It is one of many standards and framework components of Northrop Grumman's business, quality management and process improvement systems including ISO 9001, ISO 14000, the Software Engineering Institute's Capability Maturity Model Integration standard, Statement on Auditing Standards 70 and Six Sigma methodologies.
The certification was accomplished through an independent third-party audit by the British Standards Institute (BSI), a management systems registrar. The independent audit verified compliance of standardized, consistent processes and procedures used to support the Texas State Data Center in San Angelo, and the associated project management office in Austin. To determine continued compliance with ISO 20000, BSI will conduct periodic routine surveillance audits of these operations.
The Commercial, State and Local Group, part of Northrop Grumman's Information Technology (IT) sector, is the third organization in the United States to receive the international standard for IT service management.
"This prestigious accreditation certifies that Northrop Grumman delivers the best possible service and value to meet our customers' business needs," said Hugh Taylor, president of Northrop Grumman IT's Commercial, State and Local Group. "Achieving the ISO 20000 certification emphasizes Northrop Grumman's compliance in our IT operations, resulting in cost savings, increased productivity and improved customer service for our clients."
Northrop Grumman has provided IT management services to the state of Texas since 1994, and Northrop Grumman's IT sector is a leading IT provider and integrator, with a history spanning more than five decades of delivering end-to-end information technology solutions that enhance the work of government and business.
ISO is a network of the national standards institutes from 156 countries, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. ISO 20000 is the first formal international standard specifically related to IT service management. This standard is based on the established British Standard 15000, which was accepted as an international standard in December 2005, and given the designation of ISO 20000. To be certified, companies must implement an IT service management system that ensures the confidentiality, integrity and availability of both vital corporate and customer information.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense company headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. Northrop Grumman provides technologically advanced, innovative products, services and solutions in systems integration, defense electronics, information technology, advanced aircraft, shipbuilding and space technology. With approximately 125,000 employees and operations in all 50 states and 25 countries, Northrop Grumman serves U.S. and international military, government and commercial customers.