Maximo (software)
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Enterprise asset management software |
| Predecessor | Project Software & Development (later MRO Software) |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Products | IBM Maximo Manage (formerly IBM Maximo Asset Management) |
| Owner | IBM |
Maximo is an enterprise asset management solution originally created by Project Software & Development (which later became MRO Software), with its first market introduction in 1985. After being acquired by IBM in 2006, it was renamed IBM Maximo Asset Management. Following the launch of version 8 in July 2021, the product adopted the new name IBM Maximo Manage.
This software assists enterprises in overseeing assets like buildings, vehicles, fire extinguishers, and equipment by monitoring asset information, scheduling maintenance activities, and integrating workflows to enhance asset utilization.
History
Initially developed by Project Software & Development Inc (PSDI), which rebranded as MRO Software in 2000, Maximo was later purchased by IBM and incorporated into the Tivoli Portfolio. This acquisition broadened Tivoli's capabilities from focusing solely on IT asset management to including non-IT asset oversight.
Version 7.6 marked the introduction of multitenant architecture options, cloud deployment capabilities, and delivery through a SaaS framework. While earlier iterations featured a character-based classic interface, subsequent releases implemented a graphical Work Centers interface to improve user interaction.
In 2020, IBM released Maximo 8.0, unveiling the IBM Maximo Application Suite which unified all licensed products and extensions into a single platform. By late 2021, the suite incorporated ViiBE integration to bolster remote collaboration functionalities in response to changing market needs.
Architecture
Originally launched as a stand-alone application on an IBM Personal Computer, Maximo supports certain versions of AIX, Linux, and Windows Server as of 2018. Previous support also included HP-UX and Solaris. Over time, newer versions have adopted advanced technologies facilitating automated data integration alongside enterprise-grade database management, resource allocation, and reporting tools.
Prebuilt industry-specific models are offered for sectors such as railways, nuclear power, and mining. The software further aids in interoperability with other systems and communication protocols.
Disputes
In February 2018, Kalibrate Asset Management—a consultancy specializing in Maximo—filed a lawsuit against IBM seeking $500,000 related to a disagreement over deal registration. The case was dismissed in March 2018 after the court found Kalibrate had not demonstrated contractual entitlement to the commission nor proven claims of deceptive practices. Subsequently, Kalibrate was ordered to cover IBM’s legal expenses.