China Unicom has completed its first cloud computing procurement project, and four manufacturers won the bidding for various aspects of the project.

In 2009, China Unicom established its cloud computing research team and the company started the procurement of desktop cloud platforms from October 2010. After over 2,000 reported tests, including maturity, reliability, and ease of use, the company finally chose four manufacturers, including Siksoft, Huawei, VMware, and Microsoft, as its desktop cloud platform suppliers.

According to the bidding results, Huawei will offer desktop cloud platforms to China Unicom in Beijing, Guangdong, Shaanxi, and Guangxi; while Siksoft will be responsible for Jiangsu, Fujian, and Chongqing.

In addition, China Unicom selected Huawei, Digital China, and ZTE as integrators, who will be responsible for the delivery of desktop cloud platforms and devices in various provinces.

The cloud computing bidding is reportedly a major practice for China Unicom in its transformation to the information and communications technology sector. It is also the first cloud computing bidding launched by one of the three major telecom operators in China.