For IBM, the deal is another in a line of recent SOA purchases. Last week, it agreed to buy Webify Solutions Inc. for an undisclosed sum, and service management company MRO Software Inc. for $740 million in cash. Webify develops tools for linking business processes in an SOA, optimized for IBM's software platforms and aimed at four vertical markets. MRO Software develops software for managing services and assets, including IT assets.

Peter Sayer of the IDG News Service contributed to this report.