TOPS Markets Renews Services Agreement with HP

TOPS Friendly Markets LLC, the New York-based supermarket chain with stores in New York and Pennsylvania, signed a seven-year applications and infrastructure technology services contract with HP valued in excess of $80 million that gives the retailer flexibility to transform its business processes to drive growth.

With this agreement, HP will continue to provide a full suite of applications management via a multi-tiered platform, including mainframe, midrange server, and web hosting in support of TOPS’ business.

“The supermarket segment’s competitive nature requires us to be flexible and instantly meet time-sensitive customers’ dynamic needs as well as compliance requirements,” said Kevin Darrington, COO of TOPS. “HP will help us transform our processes and applications environment so we can stock our shelves with the products customers demand while lowering costs and maintaining our neighborhood grocer feel.”

HP will provide applications management services to maintain the TOPS environment, including its retail, supply chain, marketing, and merchandising applications. These services help TOPS gain control over applications and enable flexibility to adapt to new opportunities.

The agreement also includes a number of infrastructure management services that are developed to simplify the TOPS technology environment. HP will continue providing managed mainframe and server management services to host systems that operate TOPS’ major retail operations. TOPS also will use leveraged services for remote network monitoring and management support from HP.

HP Workplace Services will support email, desktop, and mobile devices, including service desk and site support services for TOPS’ business offices. HP also will provide virus protection and packaging images for devices in 132 stores and pharmacies.

In addition to managing the environment from TOPS sites, HP will provide day-to-day operational support from HP Best Shore global delivery centers. These centers provide flexible and scalable service delivery using standardized processes while leveraging best practices to lower global risk and more cost-effectively support business.

Williamsville, N.Y.-based TOPS operates 127 full-service supermarkets and five franchise locations.