IBM has bought asset and service management specialist MRO Software for $740m. It's the company's second software purchase in as many days.

IBM will establish MRO as a business unit within its Tivoli division under general manager Al Zollar. IBM plans to incorporate MRO's technology into Tivoli, sell MRO through IBM's channel and partner network, and deliver services for MRO via Global Services. In otherwords, the classic IBM purchase.

MRO's software allows customers to track the usage and costs of things like resources, materials, and equipment. It also helps schedule projects and streamline purchasing. Importantly for IBM, MRO has a vast list of customers in key verticals: petrochemical, manufacturing, and government and defense.

MRO, an IBM partner since 1996, will strengthen Tivoli's enterprise system management capabilities and provide customers with a single view of their assets, IBM said. MRO fits into IBM's strategy around business and process management, and is likely to become a part of IBM's bigger message on SOA.

The deal was announced 24 hours after IBM snapped up vertical sector middleware and integration vendor Webify Solutions for an undisclosed sum.®

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