IBM to acquire MRO Software – Deal to help clients efficiently manage wide range of assets

IST is pleased to inform you that MRO Software has agreed to be acquired by IBM, the world's largest consulting, services and information technology company.

MRO Software, with its product Maximo, is the leading provider of service and asset management software for all asset classes: IT, production equipment, facilities and transportation. Through the acquisition IBM will strengthen the enterprise systems management capabilities of its Tivoli software portfolio.

Following the completion of the acquisition, IBM intends to:
 •  Expand its ITSM capability by incorporating MRO software technology into IBM's Tivoli software utilising the SOA capabilities of Maximo
 •  Further expand the scope and capabilities of IBM's industry leading business and IT asset management offering
 •  Establish MRO Software as a business in IBM's Tivoli software offering
 •  Market and sell MRO Software products through IBM's and MRO Software's channels and Business Partners
 •  Build on the two companies' long-standing business relationship

Please find attached the following information for your perusal:
 •  Letter to Installed Base with some questions and answers
 •  Analyst Quote Sheet: Aberdeen
 •  Analyst Quote Sheet: Forrester
 •  Analyst Quote Sheet: IDC
 •  IBM Press Release: IBM to Acquire MRO Software, Inc.

We are excited by the acquisition as the joint IBM and MRO capability will not only create a totally unified ITSM and IT Infrastructure Management offering but will also ensure continuation of the Maximo domination of the traditional asset management market by leveraging IBM's knowledge base.

Please be assured of IST Data's commitment to you as a client and should you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Bouke Spoelstra
Business Development
IST Data a Division of IST Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
direct: +27 12 426 7535
reception: +27 12 426 7200
fax: +27 12 426 7735
mobile: +27 82 333 4245 bouke@ist.co.za