IBM has announced plans to acquire Markham, Ontario-based DataMirror for approximately $161 million. DataMirror provides technology that identifies and captures data that has been added, updated or deleted so it can, once modified, be delivered in real time to processes, applications and databases.

Using DataMirror technology, the companies say, for example, a retailer can incorporate information from point of sale systems into a data warehouse in real time and automatically trigger business decisions and events, such as replenishing low stock based on current sales and inventory figures. Similarly, they say, a telecommunications company’s billing system information can be integrated into customer resource management systems for a near real-time view of customers.

Once the acquisition has been finalized, IBM says it plans to:

• integrate DataMirror with IBM’s Information Management Software unit;
• use DataMirror software to support IBM Information Server, IBM’s information integration platform, making it easier for clients to apply real-time data integration techniques from a single platform across their businesses; and
• utilize DataMirror technology to bring heterogeneous real-time change data capture to clients.