The first Technical Rehearsal forms part of Atos' comprehensive testing of its IT systems ahead of the Games, which is the largest sports IT contract of all time. The testing phase ensures that Atos Business Technologists, technology and procedures are ready to respond to any situation that could arise during London 2012.

The first rehearsal simulated periods of the London 2012 competition schedule. Over 300 IT professionals from LOCOG, Atos and the other Technology partners operated in simulated Games-time conditions to complete the tests.

To mark the announcement, London 2012 Olympic hopeful, Judo Champion, Teddy Riner, joins a group on a visit to the Technology Operations Centre (TOC) to show how the Atos' IT system will deliver the information to athletes, media, spectators and the billions of people watching the Games on television around the world.

Commenting on the rehearsal, Michele Hyron, Chief Integrator for London 2012, Atos, said: 'Atos Business Technologists will be striving to achieve their own personal best for London 2012 with the same mindset of an Olympic athlete to deliver the Games successfully. By the end of the testing phase, we will have undertaken more than 200,000 hours of meticulous testing of the IT system for London 2012, which will process 30% more information than at any other Games in history. The completion of the first technical rehearsal shows that our team of Business Technologists are very much on course.'

During the Judo demonstration at the TOC, Atos will explain how its Games IT systems will support an Olympic athlete throughout London 2012, including:

* Info+: an information kiosk, enabling athletes, accredited media and sports officials to instantly access results, competition schedules, medal ranking tables, transport news and sports records
* Commentator Information System (CIS): able to deliver results on touch-screen PCs in less than 0.3 seconds at venue broadcast sites and provide commentators with the results before they hear the roar of the crowd.

CIS and Info+ are amongst the hundreds of Atos designed processes and systems that are rigorously tested and cross-referenced with every sports body and association, to ensure they comply with the latest rules and regulations.

Sebastian Coe, Chairman, London 2012, said: 'You cannot underestimate the important role technology will play in the successful delivery of London 2012. Everything must perform seamlessly and Atos' Business Technologists, like the athletes, must be ready from the first moment to strive for their personal best. With the first operational readiness test now complete, the final preparations for the Games are well underway and we are confident that the massive testing programme of the LOCOG technology team, Atos and the other technology partners will deliver a fitting Games-time experience.'

Between now and the start of London 2012, Atos, as the Worldwide Information Technology Partner, will work with LOCOG and its technology partners to deliver some of the key systems which make the Games happen. At Games time, the Technology Team will be made up of 3,500 technology specialists. Atos plays a key role in the deployment of 900 servers, 1,000 network and security devices and more than 10,000 computers.

Atos together with LOCOG and its technology partners will carry out a final Technical Rehearsal in May.

Atos has been the Worldwide IT Partner for the Olympic Games since Salt Lake City in 2002 and, over the last 10 years, has been integral to making every Winter and Summer Olympic Games a success. It is all of this experience and expertise that allows Atos to consistently deliver outstanding results for clients across the Globe.

The Technology partners are:

- Acer – Worldwide Computing Equipment Partner
- Atos - Worldwide Information Technology Partner
- Omega – Official Timekeeper
- Panasonic – Official AV Equipment Partner
- Samsung – Official Wireless Communications Partner
- BT - Official Communications Services Partner
- Airwave - Official Private Mobile Radio Services Supplier
- Cisco – Official Network Infrastructure Supporter

About Atos
Atos is an international information technology services company with annual 2011 proforma revenue of EUR 8.5 billion and 74,000 employees in 42 countries. Serving a global client base, it delivers hi-tech transactional services, consulting and technology services, systems integration and managed services. With its deep technology expertise and industry knowledge, it works with clients across the following market sectors: Manufacturing, Retail, Services; Public, Health & Transports; Financial Services; Telecoms, Media & Technology; Energy & Utilities.

Atos is focused on business technology that powers progress and helps organizations to create their firm of the future. It is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and is quoted on the Paris Eurolist Market. Atos operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting & Technology Services, Atos Worldline and Atos Worldgrid.