(c)iStock.com/Graffizone

IBM has announced the acquisition of Microsoft software as a service (SaaS) specialist Optevia, ramping up its offering for CRM SaaS in the public sector.

Optevia’s specialism in Microsoft Dynamics CRM firms makes an interesting avenue for IBM, given how dominant Microsoft is in the public sector. Among Optevia’s more recent customers include Wealden District Council, who announced in October “significantly improved customer services” using Dynamics CRM.

The company announced record financial results in May, and among its current client base are ministries, councils, regulators, transport authorities, and social housing organisations.

“By acquiring Optevia, IBM will be able to provide public sector clients and prospects with a range of unique, industry focused CRM based solutions,” said Joanna Davinson, IBM Europe public sector leader in a statement. “This strategic acquisition will help strengthen IBM as a SaaS provider and global software integrator.”

IBM hopes the acquisition of Optevia will help establish itself as ‘a premier SaaS and digital consultant and accelerate leadership in CRM solutions’. According to Gartner figures, almost half (47%) of total CRM software revenue in 2014 was generated from SaaS-based CRM applications.

This is by no means the only IBM news to hit the wire in recent days. The University of Aberdeen recently announced a partnership with the tech giant to allow staff to use Watson Engagement Advisor, while earlier this month IBM launched its first cloud data centre in South Africa, primarily to move SAP workloads.

Optevia will be folded in to the IBM Business Services division. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.