A good day to buy someone

IBM revealed its decision yesterday to buy CrossAccess, a maker of software for accessing mainframe data, reports InformationWeek.

CrossAccess` software could let developers bring data from mainframe databases made by Computer Associates and Software AG into their applications, using IBM software, and also allows access to IBM`s VSAM and IMS databases. Gartner called the technology a "reasonable" addition, but added that it is "standard" and that the buy wouldn`t affect IBM`s portfolio much.

Meanwhile, Swedish open source database maker MySQL is acquiring Swedish data management system vendor Alzato, a division of Ericsson Business Innovation AB, reports ComputerWorld.

The Alzato system was built for the telecoms industry and uses open architecture and application programming interfaces for compatibility. It is expected to provide "carrier-grade availability and high throughput in a clustered environment".

On the storage front, EMC has announced it will buy Documentum, a "document management pioneer" according to CRN.com. The purchase aims to bolster its information lifecycle management efforts.

Bob Napier, the executive who led the merger of the computer systems of Hewlett-Packard and Compaq Computer, died on Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 56. CNet published an obituary.

Surprising many long-time attendees, Intel chose not to present at this year`s Microprocessor Forum, held in San Jose this week, reports eWeek. "Its presence was implicit, however, in many of the keynotes and technical sessions during the forum`s first half day."

European peer-to-peer network users are abandoning popular applications like Kazaa in favour of new P2P software, according to research. CNet reports that a study released by network equipment manufacturer Sandvine has found big differences between the North American P2P market and that of Europe. While applications that are based on FastTrack, such as Kazaa and Grokster, still dominate in the US, they have less sway in other countries.