Companies expand in more ways than one

Companies grow, whether through partnerships, new product lines, or mergers and acquisitions. When UGS, the provider of product life-cycle management solutions, isn't busy releasing new versions of its E-factory human simulation and ergonomics analysis software and E-factory plant layout and material handling solutions, it's creating partnerships both nationally and globally. A new Teamcenter-based solution for multi-computer-aided-design (CAD) engineering process management called "INCAT Multi-CAD Express" will combine the consulting expertise of INCAT and UGS. Also, India's Tata Consulting Services (TCS) has joined the UGS Partner Program as a strategic partner, which builds on the already longstanding relationship between the companies and defines a more closely aligned marketing and delivery strategy.

Other companies are equally busy forming partnerships. Aras Corp. strategic partners—usb GmbH, and Lifecycle Solutions—will tailor Aras Innovator business solutions to meet customer specific requirements. All four new Solution Partners of Aperum—San Jose, Calif.-based asplus, Houston-based Tuttle Sullivan, Petaluma, Calif.-based ETA, and Atlanta-based J.W. Wise Associates—are a part of the ongoing expansion of Aperum's national reseller channel, and will be selling and supporting its TakeStock products. Inovis was the first Microsoft partner to provide Microsoft Business Network users with XML and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) translation, a key step in facilitating trading partner collaboration for small and mid-size businesses, and recently Inovis has expanded its EDI solution to support specific requirements of retail customers leveraging the Microsoft Business Network. An alliance with BizEdge will enable WorkWise to offer customers high quality network solutions, such as IT strategic planning, network design and implementation, and a host of other services including network infrastructure testing.

Still other companies are growing via mergers and acquisitions. Symbol Technologies has agreed to acquire Matrics, a leader in the design and manufacture of electronic product code-compliant RFID systems, with a purchase price of $230 million in cash. "The acquisition of Matrics is a significant step in executing our plan to be a leader in RFID, and expands our offerings in the advanced data capture industry," said William Nuti, Symbol president and CEO. Also, Made2Manage Systems will acquire all of DTR Software International assets. Frank O'Neill, manager of product management for Made2Manage, says, "Our long-term product strategy enables us to continue building and acquiring product and services capabilities ... without disrupting the businesses of our existing customers." Last, but not least, the merger of VerticalNet and B2eMarkets brings together VerticalNet's Spend Analysis and Advanced Sourcing solutions and B2eMarket's eSourcing suite—including strategy formulation, negotiation management, contract management and compliance, and performance management software.