The convergence between asset management software for industrial equipment and IT infrastructure led IBM on Thursday to make its second acquisition in as many days.
Big Blue said it would pay US$740 million to acquire MRO Software Inc., of Bedford. Mass. Employing about 1,000 people worldwide, MRO focuses on verticals such as utilities, manufacturing, energy and pharmaceutical firms. Its flagship product, Maximo Enterprise Suite, is used to track production equipment and facilities for about 300,000 users. Its marquee customers include BP, Exxon Mobil and Frito-Lay.
