Microsoft Corp. aims to further extend advance Office mail functions to computing platforms other than Windows by leverage technology from a mobile app firm it reportedly purchased for $200 million.
The software firm announced yesterday its acquisition of Acompli, a startup firm which officially launched April, 2014 and has developed a mobile application that allows user interaction with email messages as well as management of multiple email accounts in one program.
Acompli’s product also organizes a user’s calendar and shared files, provides integration with cloud storage platforms such as Dropbox, OneDrive and iCloud and supports Microsoft Exchange as well as Gmail.
Javier Soltero, CEO and co-founder of Acompli, traced the evolution of his company’s acquisition by Microsoft soon after Acompli’s launch.
“Right around this time we began conversations with the folks at Microsoft about how we could go farther by integrating the capabilities of their Office 365 platform into our product while continuing to provide amazing support for email and file services from Apple, Dropbox, Google, and Box,” he wrote in blog. “Those conversations led to today, where we have decided the opportunity to join forces in pursuit of a better, faster, more powerful email experience is something we can do better as one company.”
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, though technology news Web site Re/Code reported that Microsoft paid more than $200 million for Acompli.
Microsoft has been making the Office available non-Windows devices for some time now. Recently Office apps for iPad and iPhone were released and a version of Office for Android is under development.
“Our goal is to deliver fantastic cross-platform apps that support the variety of email services people use today and help them accomplish more,” Rajesh Jha, vice-president for Outlook and Office 365, wrote in his blog. “This acquisition brings us an app with innovative technology and a set of talented people who are passionate about reinventing email and communications on mobile screens.”
