Microsoft buys Parlano

Microsoft is buying US-based group chat technology provider Parlano as part of its continued push into the unified communications market.

The takeover comes just two weeks after Microsoft and Cisco were forced to publicly deny that increasing competition in the sector was damaging their collaboration in new technology markets.

The Parlano purchase will add group chat functionality to Microsoft's Office Communications Server and Office Communicator software, improving instant messaging and conferencing features.

‘Parlano has been successful in meeting the communications needs of companies in financial services and other vertical markets,’ said Microsoft’s corporate vice president of unified communications Gurdeep Singh Pall.

‘Parlano’s expertise added to Microsoft’s unified communications offering will deliver customers the most complete instant messaging and group chat product.’

Microsoft’s unified communications technologies are based on standards and open protocols, allowing Parlano to create its technology architecture from the ground up to integrate with Microsoft’s products.

The deal will be completed in the fourth quarter.