IBM Boosts Mobile Software Lineup With Acquisition

IBM is acquiring Worklight, an Israel-based developer of software for mobile devices, in a move that will expand the company's mobile technology portfolio.

IBM said Tuesday that it expects to close the acquisition by the end of the current quarter. The purchase price of privately-held Worklight was not disclosed.

Worklight's mobile application platform includes tools for developing and deploying HTML5, hybrid and native mobile applications for smartphones and tablet computers. The product lineup includes an integrated development environment, mobile middleware, security software, management tools and analytics.

The company's software is used by businesses and organizations in financial services, retail and healthcare to develop mobile applications for consumers and employees, IBM said.

"Our clients are under increased pressure to meet the growing demands of a workforce and customer base that now treat mobility as mission critical to their business," said Marie Wieck, general manager, IBM application and infrastructure middleware, in a statement.

IBM said the acquisition builds on its mobile software and service offerings for developing and connecting mobile applications, extending IT systems to mobile devices, and managing and securing mobile devices.

Worklight will reside within IBM's Software Group.

IBM Tuesday also unveiled IBM Endpoint Manager for Mobile Devices, a software system that businesses can use to manage and secure mobile devices.