IBM has announced it has acquired Diligent Technologies, a privately held storage ‘de-duplication’ technology company. Diligent's technologies and employees will become part of the IBM System Storage business unit of the IBM Systems and Technology Group.

"Diligent's data de-duplication software is a critical technology that will be integrated into the IBM Storage portfolio to further extend our information infrastructure strategy, allowing our clients to eliminate redundant data and streamline the infrastructure required to support their business -- which can result in dramatic improvements in data center efficiency," said Andy Monshaw, general manager, IBM System Storage. "Diligent's industry-proven data de-duplication offerings are exceptionally suited for mid-range and enterprise clients, uniquely combining in-line performance, scalability and data integrity and extends IBM's strong portfolio of strategic offerings that will help our clients reduce infrastructure costs, improve energy efficiency in the data center, and enable them to fully utilise their information on demand."

Diligent will become part of the IBM System Storage brand of offerings. "We are pleased to become a key member of the IBM System Storage family, knowing IBM has the industry's most comprehensive vision for the future direction of storage and data-protection. Moreover, IBM has the requisite technologies in order to realise that vision. The combination of IBM and Diligent will deliver increased innovation and industry-focused data protection solutions," said Doron Kempel, Chairman and CEO, Diligent.

He further added,"Our customers will significantly benefit as our talented teams and our storage technology advancements merge with IBM's innovative research and development group and world-wide reach in sales, service, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. With IBM, Diligent's data de-duplication technology has the best opportunity to make a significant impact in the industry, on behalf of the end-users."