IBM extends its monitoring arm

Helps wireless service providers avoid customer wrath.

IBM is to acquire network performance monitoring and service management firm Vallent for an undisclosed sum.

Wireless service providers use Vallent apps to monitor network infrastructure, to get advanced warnings of dropped calls and traffic bottlenecks before customer service level agreements are breached.

IBM bought network monitoring firm MicroMuse in February, and plans to deliver a single management and performance platform for fixed-line, wireless, IP and converged fixed/mobile infrastructures.