IBM Buys Software Firm

IBM (IBM Quote) purchased Webify Solutions, an Austin, Texas-based maker of software used to build service-oriented architectures.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The acquisition builds on IBM's strategy to develop valuable, repeatable tools that help its customers optimize their business, the IT services giant said. Among other tools, Webify's software helps companies meet industry-specific regulations, like HIPAA compliance for health care firms and ACORD standards for the insurance industry.

Webify technology will be a part of IBM's software group under Big Blue's WebSphere brand. The software group was a bright spot in the company's recent quarterly report, growing its revenue by 5% to $4.2 billion. Webify will also be available through IBM's global services division.

Webify CEO Manoj Saxena will continue to manage Webify and take on additional responsibilities for IBM's SOA strategy. The 120 Webify employees in Austin and Mumbai, India, will join IBM.