SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) program, which plays a critical role in the ability of U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters to make weather predictions, has successfully achieved recertification of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 20000:2005, the first international standard for information technology service management.

"We are committed to providing best-in-class IT services to support the National Weather Service mission of distributing critical forecasts and warnings that save lives and safeguard property," said Andy Nappi, AWIPS program manager for Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems business. "Our ISO 20000-certified processes underpin our success in enhancing the AWIPS program, the cornerstone of National Weather Service operations."

Independent ISO auditors reviewed more than 20 procedures and processes, such as security and service level management, recognizing that the Raytheon team's IT practices meet rigorous standards. The Raytheon AWIPS team earned certification in 2008 for the first time, becoming only the eighth organization in the U.S. to achieve the ISO 20000:2005 registration for information technology service management. Since then, the program has submitted to annual independent audits as a condition of maintaining certification.

ISO 20000:2005 promotes the adoption of an integrated, interrelated process to effectively deliver managed services. The standard involves the successful implementation of an information technology infrastructure library framework, a collection of industry best practices for IT service delivery.

Since 2005, Raytheon has been NWS' partner for the operations, maintenance and evolution of AWIPS, providing the integrated mission services required to sustain and enhance system performance. As the architect of the AWIPS evolution, Raytheon designed, developed and is currently testing the system's next-generation software. AWIPS II, which is based on a service-oriented architecture, will improve weather operations by bringing enhanced functionality to forecasters and help guide environmental decision-making at the national, regional and local levels.

Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 89 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter at @raytheon.

Media Contact
Lindsay Nyce
301.495.2281
iispr@raytheon.com

SOURCE Raytheon Company