Sensing a need among its customers for faster software development, IBM has acquired UrbanCode, a provider of tools suited for the emerging practice of rapid software development called devops.
UrbanCode’s application release automation (ARA) software automates the process of delivering applications and application updates directly from development shops to end-devices such as mobile phones and servers. UrbanCode packaged its core ARA software as part of a devops integrated suite of tools for building, deploying, provisioning and releasing software packages.
Companies such as Wells Fargo, Fidelity, Walmart, Disney and Expedia have used UrbanCode’s products.
For IBM, UrbanCode’s ARA software will provide a crucial component in its plans to update its Rational software development stack for the emerging practice of devops. With devops, a development team rapidly tests many iterations of a software program with users in order to more quickly identify potential problems and bring the software to production use more quickly.
On the mobile front, IBM will integrate the UrbanCode software with its Worklight set of cross-platform mobile application development tools, as well as make it part of its MobileFirst set of enterprise mobile tools.
UrbanCode’s software will also become a component of IBM’s SmartCloud set of cloud services. The software can be used to install and update enterprise applications, such as middleware, databases and business intelligence.
IBM is planning on enticing more of its customers and potential customers to use devops to their own benefit. According to an IBM study, organizations are now finding that they can save money and increase customer satisfaction by more quickly providing applications and updates to their customers and employees. However, only 25 percent of companies currently use software to provide a competitive advantage, the IBM market research has found.
Founded in 1996, UrbanCode is based in Cleveland. IBM will continue to support existing UrbanCode clients. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.