IBM expands Apptio software availability on Azure Marketplace

IBM has announced that it is integrating its Apptio portfolio, which includes enterprise agile planning (EAP), IT financial management, and cloud FinOps solutions, into Microsoft Azure.

This announcement coincides with IBM's decision to expand globally the availability of its software products on the Azure Marketplace. Customers can now purchase these products directly through the marketplace while utilising their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment.

IBM's Targetprocess EAP software is now accessible on the Azure Marketplace. It aids portfolio managers and finance teams plan and manage budgets, align workforces with technology priorities, and implement technology business management (TBM) best practices. This software integrates with Azure DevOps, providing enhanced management, efficiencies, and cost-saving potential using Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitments.

Nick Otto, Head of Global Strategic Partnerships at IBM, stated, "Thousands of clients are already using the Apptio portfolio to optimise their IT investments, but many of our joint customers need the flexibility to use it on the Microsoft DevOps platform. Bringing IBM Targetprocess to the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, along with expanded availability of other IBM Software around the world, enables us to support clients on their digital transformation journey with the ease and simplicity of purchasing on the marketplace."

IBM Targetprocess is designed to enhance Azure DevOps' capabilities, offering comprehensive visibility from team activities to organisational goals. It supports Agile frameworks such as SAFe and provides organisations with the flexibility to align tech spending and labour allocation to business practices.

IBM is extending its software availability on the Azure Marketplace to 14 additional countries, including Australia, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The Azure Marketplace is a preferred choice for enterprise IT purchases, allowing customers to purchase IBM software while drawing down on their Azure Consumption Commitment investments. This includes access to technologies like Aspera on Cloud SaaS, Netezza SaaS, SingleStoreDB SaaS, Streamsets, and webMethods Integration Suite. Moreover, watsonx.ai, watsonx.data, and watsonx.governance are available as customer-managed services on the marketplace.

Dinis Couto, GM of GSI Commercial Partners at Microsoft, remarked, "Today's announcement illustrates how IBM and Microsoft are empowering customers to efficiently use IT resources and adapt to evolving tech needs, especially with the rise of cloud-based AI innovation. Our collaboration will enhance decision-making, increase productivity and enhance IT management for organisations of all sizes."

In a related move, Microsoft has agreed to incorporate Apptio's capabilities within parts of its own organisation.

IBM aims to make additional Apptio products, such as IBM Apptio Costing and Planning and IBM Cloudability, available on the Azure Marketplace by Q4 2024 and the coming year.

IBM also offers nearly 50 consultancy solutions globally on the Azure Marketplace. These offerings include IBM Consulting Azure OpenAI, IBM Consulting Connect 360, IBM Consulting Banking Operations GenAI Co-Pilot, and IBM Security Strategy Services for Microsoft Azure. The company has over 50,000 Microsoft certifications to aid clients in maximising Microsoft technologies.