IBM has acquired network automation software vendor Intelliden as it looks to improve the reliability and security of customer networks, something which is becoming even more pertinent as organisations move infrastructure into the cloud.

Intelliden, which provides software for the automatic configuration of network infrastructure devices including hubs, switches and routers, will integrate into IBM’s Tivoli Software division.

iAudit, Intelliden’s most recent software release, is a cloud-based application that cross references an organisation’s network configurations against those recommended by major industry vendors.

“The typical company is managing a more complex and ever changing infrastructure – stretched across digital and physical assets,” explained Al Zollar, general manager at IBM Tivoli Software. “Companies are managing a virtualised computing layer that more than ever relies on the network.”

In the acquisition announcement, IBM cited analyst estimates claiming that over 60% of network outages were the result of manual configuration errors, adding that Intelliden’s software would improve network availability, reduce risk and cultivate greater employee efficiency.

Current clients of Intelliden include telecommunications groups Telecom Italia, TELUS and Cbeyond. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

IBM says that it has made more than 50 acquisitions since 2003, while Dow Jones last month named the IT giant as the second most acquisitory company of the past decade, behind networking equipment vendor Cisco.