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IBM Acquires UrbanCode for Fast App Development

April 23, 2013

In a sign that devops, the practice of fast software deployment, is the next big thing, IBM has acquired UrbanCode, a Cleveland software startup that automates the production and delivery of apps. The company’s systems are aligned with IBM’s own SmartCloud and Mobile First initiatives and will reportedly nicely complement IBM’s Worklight mobile application development platform.

“For example, by combining UrbanCode software with the IBM MobileFirst Worklight technology, businesses can now author and deploy an application for any mobile device in hours, versus a previous multi-day timeline,” IBM explained in a press release. “The UrbanCode solution also works with traditional applications including middleware, databases and business intelligence.”

Terms of the deal were undisclosed.

UrbanCode works to speed up the design, production and delivery of software, cutting down the time between updates to applications. The company’s DevOps platform includes applications such as uDeploy, uBuild, uProvision, and uRelease, and helps to update apps, receive feedback, and improve production speeds. It’s a play that better connects IBM to social, cloud and big data app producers that require rapid development speeds.

“Companies that master effective software development and delivery in rapidly changing environments such as cloud, mobile and social will have a significant competitive advantage,” said Kristof Kloeckner, general manager, IBM Rational Software. “With the acquisition of UrbanCode, IBM is uniquely positioned to help businesses from every industry accelerate delivery of their products and services to better meet client demands.”

IBM will continue to support UrbanCode’s clients and plans to upsell them on a broader portfolio.

“Together UrbanCode and IBM technology will be unmatched in the industry, providing businesses a continuous process for developing, testing, and delivering new and updated software,” said Maciej Zawadzki, chief executive officer, UrbanCode. “By removing the bottlenecks that traditionally exist between development teams and production systems, businesses can drive rapid innovation.”

Its IBM’s second deal of 2013. In the last three years, IBM has spent about $12 million on acquisitions, ISI analyst Brian Marshall noted in the company’s press release.

To gain similar capabilities, BMC, an IBM competitor in systems management tools, acquired Varalogix to accelerate its development speeds.

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Filed Under: Finance, North America, Software

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