Exeros Buy Boosts IBM Data Management Push

Exeros' technology automatically finds hidden relationships between information in multiple databases, a capability that IBM said helps users make sense of disparate data sources. The technology can reduce the costs of data warehouse and master data management projects by eliminating labor-intensive data mapping chores, according to the company.

As an example of how the technology works, IBM in a statement said a credit card company or airline could use the software to consolidate customer loyalty program data from multiple databases with millions of records to create a single view of all customer information.

IBM, Armonk, N.Y., said the Exeros software would expand its Information on Demand effort that helps customers use information as a competitive and strategic business asset. The company said it would integrate the Exeros technology within its Information Management Software portfolio.

"The acquisition of Exeros is complementary to IBM's existing Information On Demand portfolio, improving customers' ability to discover and access information contained in multiple databases," said a report from Technology Business Research analyst Allan Krans. The report also noted that the move marks a return by IBM to its earlier strategy of acquiring small, technology-focused companies after the failure of talks to acquire Sun Microsystems.

The acquisition also supports IBM's recently announced Business Analytics & Optimization Consulting practice, the company said.

Terms of the acquisition of the privately-held company weren't disclosed, but the TBR report estimated the purchase price at $50 million. Exeros' top management and research and development personnel are expected to stay with the company, as is its channel sales management team, the report said.