IBM buys Aspera for file transfer technology

IBM on Thursday said it will acquire Aspera, a privately held company that focuses on file transfer technology designed to move large data files quickly.

Big Blue said that Aspera will be a key component of its big data strategy. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Aspera's technology cuts transmission times for large data files---a 26 hour transfer of a 24GB file on the other side of the world can be cut to 30 seconds. Aspera's technology is called fasp and cuts through bottlenecks in broadband networks. The company also has video customers such as Netflix and Universal Studios that can't rely on the packet losses with traditional networks.

Like many of IBM's acquisitions---SoftLayer comes to mind---the plan revolves around taking acquired technology and moving them through the company's sales channels. Aspera's target industries---life sciences, media companies and gaming outfits---align with IBM's practices.

IBM expects the deal to close in the first quarter.

Here's a look at Aspera's fasp benchmarks vs. FTP.