Struggling enterprise resource planning vendor Baan Co. yesterday received a strong vote of confidence from IBM. The two companies finalized their current integration agreement with the opening of a dedicated facility to help IBM customers implement Baan applications.

Under the partnership, IBM will bundle Baan software into its DB2 Universal Database, link Baan Front Office with Lotus Notes, and implement Baan's electronic-commerce applications. Baan will also resell the DB2 to its customers.

IBM's new Implementation Factory in Atlanta will focus specifically on rapidly developing customized Baan applications for customers, using best-practice data to tailor the software to companies with consideration to size, industry, and specific needs. Companies with limited resources will be able to get an infrastructure and ready-to-go customized applications that cut down on the implementation time for setting up an ERP system. Training will be available to educate companies on how to use the applications and to help them develop tools for their users.

The partnership could be just what Baan needs. By teaming with IBM, the company will have an opportunity to reach IBM's strong and significant customer base.