IBM said it has enhanced its relationships with two partners, Manhattan Associates and Chinese software company UFIDA, in a bid to help its allies expand into international markets and increase use of its technologies.

Manhattan Associates, an IBM channel partner, will implement and sell global supply chain solutions built on an IBM framework and will focus on closing business in new markets including Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

In turn, IBM will use its sales presence in these industries and areas to promote Manhattan Associates' products and collaborate on research and development with the company.

The strengthened relationship is expected to help the two companies capture a larger share of the global supply chain market, estimated by the Gartner group at $5.4 billion in 2007, The Street reported.

Manhattan Associates and IBM share nearly 1,000 customers, mainly in North America. By expanding their alliance, the two companies said they will be able to focus on growing business in markets such as retail, consumer goods, manufacturing and transportation.

With UFIDA, China's largest software company, IBM is planning a similar initiative in a bid to get UFIDA's and IBM's technologies into newer markets.

Prior to working with IBM, UFIDA's software was based solely on Microsoft's technology.