Antwort von R. Ricks auf den offenen Brief der Beschäftigten aus Immenstaad

November 3, 2006

Dear Colleagues:

Regardless of the fact that I consider the sending of your letter to the world press as not being appropriate, nor being good company practice, I'd like to give you my view on the points you are raising in your letter.

The Service Desk move to Prague is part of CSC's strategic decision to build a Nearshore Center in Eastern Europe. This Nearshore Center will also include other functions, which means that apart from the Service Desk other functions will be moved to Prague. The decision for this location has been made on the basis of an evaluation of criteria that appropriately considers all functions to be moved with the aim to achieve an overall optimum competitive service. Cost advantages play a decisive role but are, as explained, not the exclusive criterion. This decision as well as its execution is final, thus irreversible, and is in absolute accordance with GIS Global Operations and the local management.

The local management was in Immenstaad in May and in August to explain the need for the SD move and to discuss with you the reasons for this decision. They are committed to inform you about the detailed move plan.

Since May, many intensive information meetings with the workers councils have been held to discuss their views, opinions and suggestions. The business case "SD Prague" had been explained in detail to the workers council. Also, the results of ISA Consult's analysis and recommendations have been discussed in detail with the workers council. The local management explained our view and why we did not agree on their findings, in particular their financial conclusions.

It is very important to me to emphasize that the Immenstaad Service Desk has been, and is, of importance for CSC, and that the move of the Service Desk is not linked at all to the quality of the services delivered by the team in Immenstaad. CSC is very well aware that this high service quality reflects both the competence and the strong engagement of the whole Service Desk Team. This deserves all our respect and gains our recognition. To underline this, the German management has created an incentive model for the overall SD team, in a mutual shop agreement with the works council, to encourage the SD team to actively support the operational service as well as to support the move.

I'm aware that the move of these services to Prague, connected with the build-up of a new team will be very ambitious and challenging for our organization. This move will be therefore planned and realized with utmost diligence. Both the SD team's contribution and support to this move are essential for its success.

I encourage all of you to respect CSC's decision for this strategic step, which is essential for CSC to keep its position as a strong, appreciated and competitive Global IT Service Company in the market and to benefit our clients and shareholders.

Best Regards,

Richard C. Ricks