OSAKA -- IBM Japan Ltd. said it opened an "IT Solution Center" in Osaka on Tuesday by teaming up with five other high-tech firms, including Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Oracle Corp. Japan and Microsoft Co., the Japan arm of Microsoft Corp.

Putting together their resources, the six firms will offer corporate customers technological aid for installing and integrating computer networks, IBM Japan said.

The establishment of the 510-sq.-meter center comes as many companies are having difficulty integrating computer systems with business allies or merger partners as they battle the severe business environment.

The six companies will get together to set up task forces to respond to the specific needs of customers, IBM Japan officials said.

The center is located in the Twin 21 office building in Osaka's Chuo Ward.