By Matt Hines
Tuesday, January 11 2005 10:01 AM
URL: http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/software/0,39044164,39212544,00.htm

BMC Software said Monday that it has agreed to purchase identity management specialist Calendra for approximately US$33 million in cash.

Based in Paris, privately held Calendra sells software that aims to help companies more easily manage employee data and IT asset directories, which are used to oversee and secure corporate networks. BMC said the acquisition will increase its ability to offer so-called identity management tools, applications designed to facilitate end-to-end administration of IT directories.

Houston-based BMC said that the combination of Calendra's software with its own tools will reduce complexities traditionally experienced when customers attempt to integrate multiple technologies made by different vendors.

"Identity management bridges the gap between people, processes and infrastructure," Somesh Singh, vice president at BMC, said in a statement. "This acquisition gives customers the capability to manage not only their identity infrastructure and identity directories, but also enhances their capabilities in the area of audit and compliance."

The acquisition is part of BMC's push into "business service management" products, software tools meant to improve IT problem resolution and reduce system downtime. The company purchased Bankrupt Peregrine sells unit to BMC Remedy nearly two years ago, and Marimba in April, to bolster its product lineup in the space, where it also offers systems-monitoring software.

Other companies that are working on business service management initiatives include Computer Associates International, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Mercury Interactive.

The acquisition is expected to close later this month.