(October 30, 2001) - IBM has announced that it will buy CrossWorlds Software, an acquisition that will help to strengthen IBM's position in the e-business infrastructure software market. CrossWorlds' is a leading provider of software that enables companies to automate business processes that integrate multiple applications, such as those for managing customer relationships and supply chains. CrossWorlds' products will help automate business processes to its WebSphere middleware product line. Their tools for linking applications will become a part of WebSphere Studio.

The acquisition extends IBM's portfolio of e-business infrastructure software, known as middleware, and will address customers' needs for solutions that include both application server and integration software. It is expected to be complete in 60 days.