Rocket Software's acquisition of OpenText's AMC division boosts modernisation scope

Rocket Software, a principal player in modernisation software, has successfully completed the acquisition of OpenText's Application Modernisation and Connectivity (AMC) business, originally a part of Micro Focus. The new integration will now render a wide range of modernisation software solutions spanning from the mainframe to the cloud.

The deal, which cost $2.275 billion before deductions, has expanded Rocket Software's revenue by over 60%. In addition, the acquisition has bolstered the company's customer base to over 12,500 companies and grown its network to more than 750 worldwide partners. The company has also welcomed above 770 new software engineers, go-to-market professionals, along with other supporting team members. Hiring of hundreds of additional Rocketeers is also announced to supplement the existing team.

The acquisition represents a significant milestone for Rocket Software and will enable it to conquer modernisation challenges on a larger scale. "We now have the solutions, resources, and expertise, the continued flexibility, winning culture, proven partnerships, and growth mindset necessary to help our customers win today and well into the future," commented Milan Shetti, President, and CEO of Rocket Software.

Research Vice-President at IDC, Peter Rutten, anticipates that the amalgamation of OpenText's AMC business and Rocket Software will create one of the world's largest mainframe modernisation and connectivity software companies. "Now Rocket Software will have a comprehensive portfolio that allows clients to modernise their workloads in place, move applications to the cloud or a combo of both through a hybrid strategy, which we see most enterprises prefer," he added.

Rocket Software plans to continue AMC's product development to enhance its own portfolio. The company can now offer a COBOL and Enterprise Suite, leading technologies that permit businesses to operate COBOL and PL/I applications on distributed or cloud servers. These added capabilities will broaden the mainframe modernisation strategies offered by Rocket Software, empowering customers to run their workloads wherever it is beneficial for their business.

The company's set a new bar for modernisation innovation in various areas. It offers leading technology for mainframe modernisation, meets customers wherever they are in their transformation journey, recognises there is a better approach to 'rip and replace' for modernisation, and only delivers solutions as a true partner, not just a vendor.

Jos Fortemps, CTO at AG Insurance, stated, "Within our organisation, the need for modernisation is a dynamic process, continually evolving as we grow and scale our business." He expressed his excitement about new opportunities for data, application, and infrastructure that will drive them into the future, now that Rocket Software is integrating the OpenText AMC solutions.