Acquisition bolsters IBM's information management offerings

IBM has made another acquisition to bolster its information management capabilities, spending an undisclosed sum to buy name-recognition specialist Language Analysis Systems (LAS).

LAS sells software for searching, verifying and providing information on the correct formats of names from around the world. IBM said this will fit with its own strategy to develop systems to enhance customer access to accurate business information.

LAS chief executive Jack Hermansen said that his company’s tools fulfilled three main functions: searching for names; cleaning duplicate and mistaken identities from databases; and providing information about the cultural background and correct format for names. This functionality has proved valuable in sectors where detecting aliases is important, such as anti-fraud or airline booking systems, he added.

The deal could also push the technology into more industries. “Name management is niche, but it is a key part of the larger puzzle of data quality,” said Hermansen.