Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: International Business Machines, AT&T, Duke Energy, H&R Block and Vodafone

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – September 17, 2010 – Zacks.com Analyst Blog features: International Business Machines (IBM), AT&T Inc. (T), Duke Energy Corp. (DUK), H&R Block Inc. (HRB) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD).

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Here are highlights from Thursday's Analyst Blog:

IBM Acquires OpenPages

International Business Machines (IBM) continued its acquisition spree, with the latest candidate being privately held software company OpenPages. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Based in Waltham, Massachusetts, OpenPages develops risk and compliance management software. According to IBM management, the deal will expand its business analytics division. Since May 2010, IBM has acquired two analytics company, OpenPages being the second one. It had previously acquired Sterling Commerce (analytics division) from AT&T Inc. (T) in August 2010.

Recently, IBM acquired marketing services company Unica Corp. (UNCA) for a whopping $480.0 million, which is expected to provide a fillip to IBM's software business, its most profitable division. Including OpenPages, IBM has acquired five companies from different sectors since May 2010.

Risk management has gained massive importance in the corporate world. In the present scenario, both large enterprises as well as small and medium sized businesses (SMB) are adopting a risk-based approach in conducting their businesses. A risk-based approach enables top-down prioritization, allowing companies to focus on their top-most priority and avoid or minimize unexpected outcomes while improving performance.

We anticipate that the OpenPages acquisition will broaden IBM's customer base in the risk management market.

OpenPages' clientele includes big shots such as Barclays, Allianze, British Petroleum, Duke Energy Corp. (DUK), H&R Block Inc. (HRB), Vodafone Group Plc (VOD) and many more. OpenPages solutions have helped its clients in developing strategies for operational risk, financial controls management, compliance and internal audits.

Currently, IBM has not divulged any specific plan to integrate OpenPages into its business operations, implying that it will operate on its own for the time being. However, in the long term, we believe IBM will integrate OpenPages in its WebSphere application server and Tivoli software line.

In our opinion, this is an important acquisition for IBM, considering that it enables IBM to significantly penetrate and improve its competitiveness in the governance risk and compliance market (GRC).

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