Microsoft acquires Teleo, VoIP software maker
Microsoft Corp. bought the Internet telephone company Teleo Inc., a provider of VoIP software and services as it planning to step into the internet telecommunications world.
The move comes as a result of all the major portal moving towards the net telephony by companies such as Google and Skype. Microsoft is expecting to combine the technology and expertise of Teleo with the existing VoIP investments of MSN as it plans to develop products and services. Financial details are not yet disclosed.
Google has introduced Google Talk, letting users with a Google e-mail account talk to other account holders using a PC equipped with a microphone and speakers or a headset. MSN’s Messenger, also, already enabling two PC users talk to each other. Teleo’s technology will help a PC user place a call to a local land-line or mobile telephone.
Some Analysts believes that Google is planning to build its own broadband network and Yahoo may to roll out its own VoIP offerings in the near future.
Such Services like cheap phone calls via the internet have been around for more than 10 years. but the technology is now beginning to gain momentum. VoIP is cheaper as it uses the internet, sending the voice in the same way as emails or web pages.
There are around three million people who are using VoIP services in the biggest market, the US. IDC, the telecoms consultancy, as it forecasts that is expected to rise to 27 million by 2009.