Cognos and IBM announced a multi-year global agreement Tuesday in an attempt to improve business intelligence offerings.

The joint IBM and Cognos business intelligence software product will allow customers to analyse performance management information with enhanced call centre product sales or condensed inventory at a manufacturing site across their broadened enterprise, the firms said in a release.

The agreement will see the two companies work together to market and sell integrated software packages covering numerous lines of business such as sales, marketing, and human resources.

The deal is the latest between the two companies, which have worked together on similar product partnerships over the last decade.

The deal was announced at the same time as the Branham Group released its annual Branham 300 list. Cognos was ranked as Canada's No.1 software firm.

In a release, Cognos' president and chief operating officer Rob Ashe spoke of the relationship between the two companies and what it has meant to Cognos.

"Our long-standing relationship with IBM has helped us reach tens of thousands of new users in key markets. We're extremely excited about the enhancement of this key relationship with IBM," said Ashe.

Mike Schroeck, IBM's point man on the deal, said the deal will allow Big Blue to penetrate new markets.

"We look forward to expanding our work with Cognos to drive business value for our clients, and extend the reach of business intelligence solutions into new and emerging markets," said Schroeck, a partner with IBM's Business Consulting Services unit.

By Dan Lyons