In comparison to the Cisco/WebEx deal, $880 million is walking around money, but word is that's what Microsoft just spent on Tellme Networks. It's an interesting play, but entirely makes sense if you stop to think about it. Microsoft is very clear that it doesn't believe in the future of desk phones--and that mobile phones are really just moving data terminals. Tellme marries voice recognition to databases; when you call FedEx, it's Tellme technology you're talking to. Put Tellme technology into a Microsoft OCS environment, pop a microphone onto your PC, and you start to have a something that's real interesting--and should chill anyone who relies on selling handsets into enterprises.
For more information about the Tellme deal:
- read this article [1] from CNet about how the deal went down, and
- and this article [2] from Microsoft Watch about why the deal is important
Related Articles:
Microsoft starts OCS2007 private beta. Report [3]
Microsoft sniffing around VoIP. Report [4]
Links:
[1] http://news.com.com/Behind+Redmonds+Tellme+deal/2100-1014_3-6167422.html
[2] http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/desktop_mobile/tellme_about_dial_tone_20.html
[3] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/microsoft-starts-ocs2007-private-beta/2006-12-12
[4] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/microsoft-sniffing-around-voip/2006-06-27