ARMONK, N.Y., Dec. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Curam Software Ltd. The company expands IBM's ability to help cities and governments serve citizens better by adopting more intelligent and efficient ways to assess needs, execute social programs, and maximize program results.

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Curam Software is used by health and human services, workforce services, and social security organizations around the world to deliver welfare, social insurance and both individual and employer based social programs. The Curam Software Platform allows government and providers to focus on lowering overall program costs by ensuring that the benefits and services provided address core issues and that people become more self-sufficient.

Curam, which means "care and protection" in Irish, was founded in 1990 and is based in Dublin, Ireland. One of the company's investors was Enterprise Ireland, which helps Irish companies achieve global success.

The acquisition builds on IBM's Smarter Cities initiatives and broadens IBM Ireland's role. Last year, IBM opened its first Smarter Cities Technology Center in Dublin. With the addition of the Curam Research Institute, which is focused on deploying new business models for managing social programs, IBM will enhance its ability to help clients increase the social and economic potential of people and their families.

Through its Smarter Cities initiative, IBM helps cities and governments serve citizens better by adopting more intelligent and efficient ways to analyze data, anticipate problems and coordinate resources. IDC Government Insights estimates the new Smarter Cities information technology opportunity at $34 billion in 2011, increasing more than 18 percent per year to $57 billion by 2014.

With the closing of this acquisition, approximately 700 Curam Software employees will join IBM's Software Group, which is a key driver of growth and profitability for the company.

About IBM

For more information, visit: www.ibm.com/smartercities .

Media Contacts:
Steve Milmore
IBM Media Relations
978-399-7347
smilmore@us.ibm.com

SOURCE IBM