Extending its footprint further in online collaborative software, Microsoft today unveiled its plans to acquire Parlano, creator of successful enterprise group chat software MindAlign.
The software is a group chat application that enables employees within an organisation keep in constant contact in a chatroom environment.
Microsoft is expected to add MindAlign functionality to its server and client software for messaging, conferencing and VoIP: Office Communications Server and Microsoft Office Communicator.
On the decision to acquire Parlano Gurdeep Singh Pall, corporate vice president of the Unified Communications Group at Microsoft said: “Parlano has been successful in meeting the rigorous communications needs of companies in financial services and other vertical markets.”
Parlano was founded in 2000 and since then has been developing group chat technology suited to business use in various industries including financial services, call centers, and for ongoing business-critical communications.
“Parlano has helped many organisations enhance operations, improve service delivery and increase sales through more effective ongoing group communication, collaboration and knowledge sharing,” said Nick Fera, chairman and chief executive officer of Parlano.
Although no figures have been mentioned the deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007 at which point Parlano’s employees will join Microsoft’s Unified Communications Group in Redmond, Washington.
By Marie Boran
