IBM buys IT management provider BigFix

IBM on Thursday announced plans to acquire BigFix, an Emeryville, Calif.-based provider of security management solutions. Specifically, BigFix software offers a single IT management platform that allows organizations the ability to manage applications for vulnerabilities, systems lifecycle, configuration and compliance. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but a Bloomberg report valued the transaction at $400 million. IBM's last security-related acquisition was last fall when it picked up database security firm Guardium for a reported $225 million. — DK