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

Because Microsoft’s unified communications technologies are based on standards and open protocols, Parlano has been able to create its technology architecture from the ground up to integrate with Microsoft’s unified communications offerings. Currently, Parlano’s MindAlign application integrates with Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 and Office Communications Server 2007.

After the deal closes, Microsoft will add the group chat functionality to Office Communications Server and Office Communicator, and plans to offer group chat as part of the standard client access license for Office Communications Server 2007 Software Assurance customers. Current Parlano customers, many of whom already use Microsoft unified communications software, will have increased access to the breadth of Microsoft unified communications software.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not announced. The deal is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2007. Following the closing of the acquisition, members of the Parlano team are expected to join the Unified Communications Group at Microsoft’s Redmond, Wash., campus. Parlano is a privately held company and was represented by Morgan Keegan Technology Group and Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP.

About Parlano
Parlano is a leading provider of persistent group chat solutions. Parlano’s MindAlign solutions deliver instant, intelligent and persistent group and topic-based messaging to securely connect employees, customers and partners with the right people, information and context to execute business processes more efficiently. Some of the largest companies in the world rely on Parlano to utilize group chat as a strategic business tool. Backed by Longworth Venture Partners and Oak Investment Partners, Parlano supports its customers and partners from its worldwide headquarters in Chicago, Illinois and EMEA headquarters in London.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.


Morgan Keegan Technology Group is one of the nation's largest investment banks focused exclusively on Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Capital Fundraising Advisory Services for technology companies. All of our clients benefit from senior-level attention from partners with deep sector expertise.

Morgan Keegan Technology Group was founded in 2001 by former senior technology bankers from major Wall Street investment banks. With offices in Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles, Revolution applies partner-level experience to the successful execution of advisory and financing transactions for emerging technology companies in industry sectors including software, Internet business services, telecommunications, wireless, clean tech, digital media, storage and semiconductors. For more information, visit www.revolutionpartners.com.