ARMONK, N.Y., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX - News), a leader in the tax preparation industry with franchised and company-owned locations across the country, has selected IBM business analytics software -- IBM Cognos 8 BI -- to provide its nationwide locations with software systems that provide greater efficiencies in accessing tax information and relevant business data.

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To handle a rising tide of information stemming from various corporate systems, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® sought a software solution that would quickly synthesize external information, including new tax law changes, the tax implications of new legislation, and the tax impact of a natural disaster for faster distribution to its franchisees and company-owned locations managers to help best serve clients. As a result of quick and easy access to critical business information, employees will be able to improve client service more quickly and efficiently.

IBM business analytics technology will significantly cut programmer servicing time, especially during peak times of the year, and will allow Jackson Hewitt® franchisees to use a more self-sufficient model to independently review relevant business information at-a-glance to more effectively run their office operations and analyze business reports in real time. The new analytics solution will also help Jackson Hewitt enhance office and employee performance through such tools as real-time fee and discount tracking.

"We selected IBM's business analytics system after a rigorous bid process," said Danamichele Brennen, senior vice-president and chief technology officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "With analytics technology we can effectively and expeditiously empower our franchisees, corporate partners and internal stakeholders with the right information at the right time. They'll get the relevant data and analytics insight they need to provide our customers with exceptional service."

"Smart midsize organizations like Jackson Hewitt are laying the foundation for 21st Century growth with business analytics that provide and enhance data-driven decision-making," said Mychelle Mollot, vice president of worldwide marketing, BI and Performance Management, IBM. "Business analytics helps all clients glean new intelligence from their data that can be effectively applied for smarter decision-making."

About Jackson Hewitt:

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX - News), with approximately 6,600 franchised and company-owned offices throughout the United States during the 2009 Tax Season, is an industry leader providing full service individual federal and state income tax return preparation. Most offices are independently owned and operated. Jackson Hewitt is based in Parsippany, New Jersey. More information may be obtained at www.jacksonhewitt.com.

About IBM:

For more information about IBM Smarter Planet, please visit www.ibm.com/press/smarterplanet

For more information about IBM Information Management, please visit http://www-01.ibm.com/software/data/.

    Media Contacts:
    Steve Milmore
    IBM Media Relations
    781-313-2403
    smilmore@us.ibm.com