IBM Opens Up ILOG Tender Offer

"ILOG technologies will add significant capability across IBM's entire software platform," said the Armonk, N.Y.-based firm, in a statement Tuesday. "ILOG products are expected to extend IBM into new markets through powerful yet easy-to-use tools in business rules, optimization, visualization and supply chain management."

The ILOG acquisition, first announced in July, also opens the door to the French company's 3,000-strong customer list, which includes the likes of the U.S. Postal Service, Samsung Life Insurance, and Korea Telecom. IBM is not the only tech company looking to carve out a slice of the BPM market. Earlier this year, Oracle (ORCL Quote) spent $8.5 billion to acquire BPM specialist BEA Systems and SAP (SAP Quote) has also made moves in this niche, snapping up privately held Yasu Technologies for an undisclosed amount last year.