ISM Canada
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Information technology |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Regina , Canada |
Area served | Canada |
| Parent | Kyndryl Canada Limited |
ISM is an information technology service provider headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan. Its primary office resides within the ISM Building, which the University of Regina constructed in 1991 specifically to accommodate ISM's operational requirements. Functioning as a fully owned subsidiary of Kyndryl Canada Limited, the company delivers IT solutions to clients across both government and private industries.
While based in Regina, ISM also maintains branch offices in Saskatoon, Burnaby, and Victoria, enabling it to offer IT services nationwide throughout Canada.
1973
In April 1973, the Saskatchewan Computer Utility Corporation (SaskCOMP) was founded under the leadership of General Manager L.T. Holmes. This organization was created through the acquisition of the Systems Centre Branch from the Department of Government Services and Computer Services from Saskatchewan Power Corporation, with the goal of consolidating computing resources for institutions funded by the provincial government.
1974
SaskCOMP expanded its reach by integrating the University of Saskatchewan’s Saskatoon Campus Computation Centre and Regina Campus Computer Centre into its operations. The City of Prince Albert and Saskatchewan Government Insurance became notable new clients during this period.
1975–1980
During these years, SaskCOMP concentrated on enhancing access to computing facilities, achieving a 16% increase in revenue alongside a quadrupling of software service offerings, which were projected to double again in 1976. Norm E. Glassel assumed the role of General Manager in 1976 and formulated a comprehensive corporate mandate. Telecommunications connected computers at key sites in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina, enabling users to access services across multiple locations. Additionally, a Minicomputer Division was established to provide minicomputer capabilities comparable to larger systems.
In 1977, SaskCOMP upgraded its mainframe to an IBM System/370 Model 168, selling its previous Model 158 for $640,000. By 1978, it ranked as Canada’s twelfth largest service bureau. In 1979, the corporation partnered with the Department of Education and Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation to encourage microcomputer adoption within schools. In 1980, SaskCOMP moved its operations to the Galleria building located at Innovation Place Research Park in Saskatoon.
1981–1990
The era of personal computing emerged during this decade. SaskCOMP leased IBM’s largest system and became recognized as Canada’s eighth largest computer operation while offering some of the most competitive rates nationally among service bureaus. In 1983, SaskCOMP celebrated its tenth year in operation. The company strengthened data protection through new policies, specialized personnel, and secure storage facilities. An IBM equipment upgrade increased CPU capacity at the Regina Regional Centre by 40%. Programs promoting workforce diversity through affirmative action were also introduced.
In 1986, SaskCOMP pioneered Western Canada’s first Disaster Recovery Service. Gerald Thom was appointed President that year. Remote control centres enabled access via high-speed telecommunications lines. A corporate registry was created for legal professionals to conduct searches on registered and non-profit entities. Technological upgrades included installation of an IBM 3090-200E processor.
In 1988, SaskCOMP transformed into Westbridge Group. This change followed the merger and privatization of four provincially owned enterprises. Westbridge embraced advanced data storage solutions and shifted focus toward integrated technology services under new President Len McCurdy in 1989. The company was listed as a penny stock on the Toronto Stock Exchange, granting each employee ownership of 100 shares. However, financial difficulties arose due to investments linked to McCurdy’s previous computer leasing ventures amid declining profitability in that sector.
1991–2000
ISM emerged from the consolidation of Westbridge Computer Corp and STM Systems Corp. IBM acquired a majority financial stake and delegated its internal computing operations to ISM. The company secured a position among Canada's top 500 enterprises, advancing nearly 300 spots in Commerce magazine's rankings.
By 1995, ISM had become wholly owned by IBM. That same year, ISM supported the Grey Cup event in Regina through the "Huddle Up in Saskatchewan" initiative. In 1997, significant organizational changes occurred with the establishment of IBM Global Services.
IBM Canada revived the Regina-based ISM entity in 2005.
2021
On September 1, 2021, ISM transitioned into a subsidiary of Kyndryl Canada Limited. The designation ISM is not an abbreviation but simply three letters, known as ISM or ISM - a Kyndryl company.