IBM's acquisition of flash memory company Texas Memory Systems (TMS) has been completed.

IBM, which has been looking to increase its storage options, will incorporate the Texas firm's technology into its system. This means that customers' storage requirements will be met without having to sacrifice power.

Of the deal, Brian Truskowski, general manager of IBM Systems and Technology Group said, "Flash technology is a game changer for our clients and IBM is committed to delivering industry-leading flash-optimised capabilities as a cornerstone of our Smarter Storage strategy."

Clive Longbottom, founder of Quocirca, considers the acquisition to be as much of a defensive move on IBM's part as much as anything. Depriving rivals of TMS's knowledge would perhaps be just as valuable to IBM as gaining patents and technology.

The agreement could prompt HP to move for Fusion-io, according to some market watchers.

The financial details of the deal have not been released.