IBM boosts enterprise content integration reach

IBM is to acquire enterprise content integration software firm Venetica, a privately held company based in North Carolina.

The acquisition is designed to boost IBM's presence in information integration, an area which it says is key to its business integration efforts for on-demand computing initiatives.

It gives IBM access to Venetica's software, which enables enterprises to access unstructured information such as documents, still images, digital media and web pages for integration into existing business processes.

This Venetica technology will be integrated into IBM's DB2 Information Integrator software.

Venetica's software will also be engineered to work with both IBM and non-IBM data sources, including EMC/Documentum, FileNet, Hummingbird, Interwoven, Open Text and Stellent.

"While different technologies have evolved for handling structured and unstructured information, real-world business problems often require a blend of both," said Venetica president and chief executive Stuart Levinson in a statement.

Venetica's operations will be integrated into the Information Integration group within IBM's Information Management software business, and Venetica products will be available from IBM and its business partners.

The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Financial details have not been disclosed.