IBM finalises Emptoris acquisition

Technology giant builds on Smarter Commerce initiative

IBM has bought cloud and on-premise analytics software provider Emptoris as part of its strategy to provide enterprises with the tools to adjust to new shifts in customer buying patterns.

Launched in March, the Smarter Commerce initiative aims to enable companies to respond to customer demands in a changing market by automating their processes.

In December, IBM said that Emptoris will help procurement and sourcing professionals to lower sourcing costs and risks by using its supplier management, spend analysis and contract management technology.

The analytics software provider has a suite of supply chain management tools that help it to manage the procurement of goods and materials.

The tools can automate vendor selection, negotiation, management and compliance in different languages and currencies.

"Developing the right procurement strategy and an adaptive supply chain are keys to achieving the business objectives of Smarter Commerce," said Craig Hayman, IBM industry solutions general manager.

The technology giant said that with the closing of the acquisition, about 725 Emptoris employees will join IBM's software group.