IBM has announced it will acquire Platform Computing, a global leader in cluster and grid management software for distributed computing environments.

"IBM considers the acquisition of Platform Computing to be a strategic element for the transformation of HPC into the high growth segment of technical computing and an important part of our smarter computing strategy," said Helene Armitage, general manager, IBM Systems Software.

According to the press release, the acquisition of Platform Computing will help accelerate IBM's growth in smarter computing, which is a key initiative in IBM's Smarter Planet strategy. Earlier this year, IBM said Smarter Planet projects were estimated to drive US$ 10 billion in revenue for IBM by 2015.

The press release stated that Platform Computing's operations as of the formal closure of the deal will be integrated into IBM Systems and Technology Group. The acquisition is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2011. You can read the press release at the IBM website:

http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/35630.wss