IBM is to acquire Californian middleware outfit Candle Corporation in an effort to add infrastructure management expertise to its software portfolio.
IBM says the acquisition will provide customers with an enhanced set of software for managing an 'on demand' operating environment and complements IBM's middleware portfolio and skill set.
Candle's infrastructure management technology covers a wide range of hardware and software, including IBM's DB2, Lotus, Tivoli and WebSphere software, as well as zSeries, Linux, Unix and Windows platforms.
An IBM business partner since its founding in 1976, privately-held Candle claims more than 3000 customers worldwide.
The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2004. Financial terms were not disclosed.