IBM gathers cloud provider under Big Blue umbrella

IBM has completed its acquisition of Emptoris Inc., expanding the computer giant’s cloud-based analytics offerings.

Financial terms of the deal, which was announced in December, were not disclosed.

Emptoris’ solutions complement IBM's supply chain management business process outsourcing capabilities, an offering available to clients through IBM Global Process Services.

The solutions also bring more intelligence to procurement and supply-chain operations with spend, supplier and contract management for IBM's Smarter Commerce initiative, according to the Feb. 1 IBM announcement.

In addition, they supplement the existing B2B integration and supply-chain management capabilities IBM acquired through the purchase of Sterling Commerce in 2010, the announcement added.

Founded in 1999, Emptoris has more than 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.

The Burlington, Mass., company has offices in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Australia, India, Brazil and China.

With the closing of this acquisition, Emptoris employees will join IBM's software group, a key driver of growth and profitability for the company, the announcement said.

The computer giant announced on Jan. 31 that it will acquire Worklight, a Israeli provider of mobile software for smart phones and tablets.

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