IBM Snaps Up Brit Storage Software Firm Butterfly

IBM has announced the acquisition of little-known Butterfly Software, a data analysis and migration specialist that might help Big Blue boost its storage game against the likes of EMC and NetApp.

The Maidenhead-based firm will become part of IBM’s software group and will likely work alongside the storage arm of the company to create attractive packages for businesses. It offers software for various storage processes, including backup analysis and migration, deduplication, as well as consolidation and compliance services.

Big Blue buys

“IBM will use Butterfly to help clients find new ways to drive greater value from its storage software and hardware solutions,” a statement from Big Blue read, adding that Butterfly’s software helped businesses save “storage space, operational time, IT budget and power consumption”. There were no details on the cost of the purchase.

Big Blue has sought to expand and integrate its storage offerings in recent months. Its biggest announcement of the year thus far was the introduction of the PureSystems line-up of products, which  combines Intel x86 servers and IBM’s own Power RISC processors with network and storage in pre-configured boxes.

IBM has continued to acquire in earnest in 2012. In April, it bought Varicent Software, a provider of analytics software, and in August it announced a $1.3 billion deal for HR software maker Kenexa.

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