IBM contrasts its 'integration' with Cognos against SAP's 'acquisitions'

When one vendor acquires another, does a long-term partnership beforehand help out with systems integration? In the case of IBM's buyout of Cognos, the answer is a big "yes," IBM officials said today.

In an interview with BetaNews at its Information on Demand (IoD) press conference here, IBM's Marc Andrews maintained that his company hasn't faced any challenges in integrating Cognos' business intelligence (BI) products with existing IBM software and hardware.

"But that's because of the 15-year relationship we've held with Cognos," said Andrews, who directs the marketing integration project between IoD and Cognos. "Most of that integration work was already done for us. There were no product overlaps. That's why we were able to hit the ground running."

In contrast, SAP has its hands full in integrating products from its acquired BI property Business Objects, according to Andrews. The same can also be said for Oracle, with its purchase of Hyperion, he contended.

Although IBM has also acquired some 60 other companies over the years, its long-term partnership with Cognos makes this deal particularly advantageous for both sides, remarked Steve Mills, senior vice president and group executive for IBM's Software Group, during a press conference here this morning. Mills cited "clear synergies" between IBM's and Cognos' products.

Also integrated in the 16 "business optimization" products unveiled by IBM today are titles under the brands of Lotus and FileNet, two of its earlier acquisitions.