IBM buys Gluecode open source developers

By Steve Malone

Posted on 11 May 2005 at 11:18

IBM has bought up Gluecode Software, which provides software and support services for open source infrastructure applications.

Gluecode's software and related subscription-based support services help developers build Java applications. This kind of middleware solution fits well with IBM's service oriented strategy and its WebSphere product line. IBM says that Gluecode's operations will be integrated into its Software Group.

The Gluecode platform is based on open source code from the Apache Geronimo project whose eventual aim is to build a J2EE (Java 2 Enterprise Edition) application server. IBM says that it will contribute Gluecode technology to the further development of the Geronimo project. IBM already has close relations with the Apache group and has already contributed resources to various Apache projects. WebSphere software incorporates Apache's popular open source HTTP server.

As part of the deal, IBM gets some of the foremost developers of Geronimo and the related Harmony project aimed at producing an open source clone of Java itself.

Naturally, IBM didn't buy Gluecode just to further the cause of the Open Source movement. IBM says it will allow customers and partners to download Gluecode application server software and start development and deployment free of charge. The men in blue suits will arrive when these customers buy the software support services.

'IBM sees growing demand for a broad range of application integration middleware in the marketplace, including open standards-based and open source Java application server technology, especially among SMB and departmental users,' explained Robert LeBlanc, IBM's General Manager, Application and Integration Middleware, for the Software Group. The acquisition would allow customers to 'quickly develop and deploy applications, and migrate to WebSphere software as business needs expand.'

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.