IBM has completed the acquisition of Sterling Commerce for approximately $1.4bn in cash. Sterling, which began operations as a value-added network for electronic data interchange (EDI), now provides software for cross-channel commerce and the integration of customer, partner and supplier networks across a wide range of industries. According to IBM, the acquisition will enable the integration of key business processes across channels and among trading partners, incorporating marketing, selling, order management and fulfillment, among other processes. Sterling services more than 18,000 global customers and has some 2,500 employees. IBM said it will continue to support Sterling's clients, while allowing them to take advantage of the broader IBM portfolio. In recent months the company announced the acquisition of Coremetrics, and intends to close a $480m deal for the assets of Unica late this year. The three deals will "enhance the company's ability to support clients' needs in this growing market," IBM said.

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