IBM Scores A PureEdge In e-forms

IBM has just signed an agreement to acquire PureEdge Solutions, a pure-play e-forms vendor known for its focus on secure, XML-based e-forms. IBM's acquisition underscores e-forms' role as a core technology for automating business processes and allows IBM Workplace customers to seamlessly integrate e-forms into back-office systems like ERP and CRM. This acquisition strengthens IBM Workplace and puts IBM in direct competition with Microsoft InfoPath and Adobe LiveCycle. It also gives current Lotus Domino e-forms customers a migration path from proprietary e-forms to XML-based forms. IBM now has a strong e-forms solution that can be leveraged across IBM's collaboration, enterprise content management (ECM), and business process management (BPM) offerings, and is primed to be a strong contender in the growing e-forms market.