• According to reports, IBM is set to acquire Sun Microsystems, a prominent rival in the server and software markets, for $7bn. The purchase is the largest in Big Blue’s history, and breaks a long dry spell in the M&A arena. The deal could also cement IBM’s hold on some core hardware and software technologies, bringing a sea change in the world of corporate and government datacentres.
• Research in Motion reported better than expected fourth quarter earnings thanks to strong BlackBerry sales and a healthy jump in new subscribers, sending its share price soaring in late trading. RIM this week launched a BlackBerry application store to rival the popularity of Apple‘s App Store.

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