IBM adds cloud analytics firm to Smarter Commerce initiative

IBM Corp. will acquire Emptoris Inc., a provider of cloud and on-premise analytics software that brings more intelligence to procurement and supply chain operations, the computer giant  announced today.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition is the latest addition to IBM's Smarter Commerce initiative, launched in March 2011, which is aimed at helping companies respond to shifting customer buying patterns, the announcement said.

Emptoris brings to IBM Smarter Commerce a set of solutions that orchestrate and manage the sourcing and procurement of goods and materials as part of supply chain management. Supply chain intelligence using these solutions enables better inventory management and can create large savings opportunities, the company said.

IBM estimates that the Smarter Commerce initiative is a $20 billion market opportunity in software alone.

The Emptoris acquisition will allow IBM to deliver more solutions focused on the needs of sourcing and procurement professionals.

The acquisition also will complement IBM's supply chain management business process outsourcing capabilities within its Global Process Services organization. .

Founded in 1999, Emptoris has over 725 employees around the world. Its 350 customers in 75 countries span multiple industries including consumer products, financial services,, telecommunications, chemical/oil/gas, utilities, construction and industrial manufacturing.

Emptoris, of Burlington, Mass., also has offices in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Australia, India, Brazil and China.

The acquisition is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and applicable regulatory reviews.

IBM Corp., of Armonk, N.Y., ranks No. 21 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.