Microsoft scoops up Parlano

Software giant adds to Office Communications portfolio with latest buy

Microsoft has snapped up instant messaging software vendor Parlano for an undisclosed sum.

The software giant intends to add Parlano’s MindAlign group chat software as a new feature of its Office Communications Server and Office Communicator product – which handles presence, instant messaging, conferencing and voice over IP. The deal is expected to complete in the fourth quarter 2007.

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’s expertise and technology, added to Microsoft’s unified communications offering will deliver customers the most complete presence, instant messaging and group chat solution on the market.”

Nick Fera, chief executive of Parlano, said: “Parlano has helped many organisations enhance operations, improve service delivery and increase sales through more effective ongoing group communication, collaboration and knowledge sharing. The resulting competitive advantage will be further enhanced as we bring Parlano technology together with Microsoft Office Communications Server and Office Communicator.”