Microsoft and IBM boast about latest buys

Microsoft snaps up CRM firm while Big Blue gobbles Workday services provider

Microsoft and IBM have both announced the completion of acquisitions – the former has bolstered its CRM offering with its buy, while Big Blue's purchase will see it beef up its services solutions.

Microsoft today reached a definitive agreement to acquire key product and technology assets of Adxstudio, a firm which specialises in web portals, online engagement solutions and products for Microsoft's Dynamics CRM offering.

Meanwhile, IBM announced plans to buy Meteorix, a Workday services provider.

Microsoft said its acquisition will help its customers and those of its partners accelerate their own customers' efforts to build CRM web-engagement solutions on Microsoft technology.

"Organisations today are looking for new and different ways to better connect, support and engage with their customers," said Bob Stutz, Microsoft's corporate vice president of Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

"We are constantly looking at ways to deliver value to businesses and organisations around the world. Adding Adxstudio team members and technology components is another important step in this effort to deliver great value for our customers."

IBM's latest buy Meteorix has more than 200 certified Workday consultants on its books and will help Big Blue to become one of the most experienced Workday service providers in the world, it claims.

Bridget van Kralingen, senior vice president of IBM Global Business Services, said: "It deepens the quality of service to existing Workday clients and dramatically expands our reach to new clients.

"Meteorix's Workday implementation experience, combined with our industry and transformational expertise as well as the industry's foremost business analytics capability and leadership in cognitive computing, will unlock next-generation employee engagement and productivity while accelerating financial performance."