BMC Software has bought OpenNetwork, a privately owned web access management and single sign on (SSO) firm, for $180m cash. BMC will add OpenNetwork's browser-based authentication and authorisation products for web-based applications to its identity management suite.

The deal also enables the firm to market identity federation services for web-enabled applications, because users have to log on only once in order to access multiple web-based apps.

OpenNetwork also develops middleware that allows Microsoft's Identity Integration Server (MIIS) to be used across unsupported platforms such as AS/400, SAP R/3, Solaris and AIX servers.

OpenNetwork is based in Florida and has 70 customers throughout the world. About 40 employees will join BMC Software's Identity Management Business Unit post-acquisition, which will see BMC staffers selling OpenNetwork's software with immediate effect. ®

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