IBM has signed an agreement to acquire social programme software offerings provider Cúram Software to help governments improve the efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility of social programmes for smarter cities.
With the addition of the Cúram Research Institute, IBM will be able to enhance its ability to help clients increase the social and economic potential of people and their families.
Under the agreement of Smarter Cities initiative, IBM helps cities and governments serve citizens better by adopting intelligent and efficient ways to analyse data, anticipate problems and coordinate resources and also builds on IBM’s Smarter Cities initiatives in Ireland.
After the acquisition is completed, Cúram Software will be integrated into IBM’s Software Group, which is a key driver of growth and profitability for the company.
IBM and Cúram have collaborated on federal, state, local, and provincial-level social programme solutions around the world since 1999 and more than 90% of Cúram’s clients use IBM WebSphere middleware and nearly 70% of its clients use IBM hardware.
IBM Industry Solutions general manager Craig Hayman said IBM is working to help cities and governments at all levels transform the way they interact with citizens while improving efficiency.
"We all have stories to tell about standing in long lines or making countless phone calls to gain access to government services, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Together with Cúram, IBM can transform the way citizens do business with government in a way that benefits everyone," said Hayman.
Cúram Software CEO John Hearne said many of Cúram clients already use IBM technologies and services, and they will benefit from working with Cúram and IBM as one.
"Through IBM’s global reach, we can grow our client base by bringing the benefits of Cúram’s Social Industry Platform to citizens around the world," said Hearne.
