Short Take: IBM builds on tech partnerships

Aiming to serve the transportation, security and chemical industries, IBM said it has teamed up with Swedish software firms Intentia and Industrial and Financial Systems, Dublin-based IT Design, Australia-based Mincom, and U.S.-based Aspen Technology. The deals, which are worth $1 billion in projected revenue to IBM, are the latest in a series of alliances Big Blue has formed with technology providers to try to tap a host of niche markets.