IBM is to acquire asset management specialists MRO Software for $740 million cash. MRO’s offering is a blend of asset and service management software and consulting, used by many oil and gas companies to manage production equipment, facilities, transportation and IT assets. MRO will integrate IBM’s Tivoli software unit.
Zollar
Al Zollar, general manager, IBM Tivoli software said, ‘In a recent IBM study, 40 percent of CEOs indicated that asset utilization would be a key focus in strengthening financial performance. This acquisition will provide companies with a single view of their assets, helping them to maximize efficiencies, drive productivity, and innovate across the enterprise.’
RFID
The IBM/MRO relationship goes back to 2002 when the companies signed a joint marketing agreement to bundle IBM’s WebSphere with MRO’s flagship Maximo package (OITJ Vol. 7 N°9). The technology is being extended to intelligent IP-addressable assets with RFID. MRO clients include ExxonMobil, Chevron, Hess, PDVSA, BP and CNOOC.
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