Wealth-management tech maker one of "thousands" of third-party vendors. Wealth-management software maker NorthStar Systems International has been approved as a preferred provider by IBM's PartnerWorld Industry Networks business-management technology exchange -- a designation that IBM calls "advanced industry optimized" (AIO) status.

Mix and match

"NorthStar is delighted to be working closely with IBM as an AIO partner, and we are already seeing great benefits from our collaboration," says NorthStar's president Collin Cohen. "As firms worldwide seek to transform their wealth-management businesses, each has specific problems, which NorthStar's software solutions and services-oriented architecture can address."

NorthStar delivers on-premise or on-demand services to help advisors implement and manage their client's wealth.

"PartnerWorld Industry Networks is mobilizing thousands of independent software vendors, helping them to develop customized, industry solutions for customers," says Mark Hanny, a v.p. of developer relations at IBM. "Customers aren't seeking a one-size-fit-all solution: they want tailored, industry-specific solutions that can help solve their business challenges."

San Francisco-based NorthStar provides wealth-management services to financial service institutions like Schwab, Citigroup, Legg Mason, Merrill Lynch and Wachovia. -FWR

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