IBM acquires mobile commerce and marketing firm
IBM is looking to bolster is presence in the mobile commerce sector. The technology firm recently acquired Xtify, a company that specializes in mobile payments and marketing. While IBM has not released any concrete information concerning the acquisition, Xtify has an extensive history of operations in the mobile sector. The company was formed in 2009 and has been facilitating mobile commerce and marketing services since then.
Demand for mobile services in growing among consumers
Mobile commerce has become a very competitive, yet attractive field for large companies like IBM. These companies see a great deal of promise in the mobile commerce sector, especially as more consumers gain access to smartphones and tablets. In emerging markets, these consumers are showing a great deal of interest in purchasing products and shopping from their mobile device. As such, companies are looking to take advantage of the growing popularity of mobile commerce by engaging consumers in dynamic ways and offering them new services. For large companies, one of the best ways to break into mobile commerce is to purchase a smaller company that already has a presence in the sector.
Mobile marketing is gaining momentum
While Xtify does offer mobile commerce support, the company also has a variety of marketing services. With more consumers becoming reliant on their smartphones and tablets, mobile marketing has become more important. Finding ways to connect with mobile consumers has been a difficult task, and IBM’s acquisition of Xtify may help smooth the learning curve.
Acquisitions help large companies compete in mobile commerce field
IBM already offers a variety of support platforms for e-commerce retailers, but the company has only recently begun participating in the mobile commerce space. While the company’s acquisition of Xtify may not translate into higher mobile commerce revenue, it could be a sign of how IBM plans to approach the sector in the future. These acquisitions are becoming more common as large companies work to compete with one another in the mobile commerce arena.
