Musiwave, an Openwave company, provides marketing and content management solutions to operators and media companies worldwide. The Musiwave acquisition is intended to add mobile component to music already offered through Microsoft’s Zune music device, Windows mobile, and on the desktop media files. The software giant ventured into music segment two years ago by introducing products such as Windows Mobile, Xbox and Zune for the consumer markets.
Bringing Musiwave on board would provide an opportunity for Microsoft to explore new areas in the mobile space previously untapped, and to showcase the power of software plus services. This contemplated acquisition reflects Microsoft’s recognition of the software and technology expertise in Europe, said Pieter Knook, senior vice president of the mobile communications business at Microsoft.
Microsoft also announced new version of its portable music player, Zune and extension of the Zune marketplace, a music store on the lines of Apple’s iTunes. This follows similar moves made by other key market players. In August 2007, Nokia opened its mobile music store in UK while Samsung collaborated with MusicNet in July 2007 to start a mobile music store.
While the financial terms of this latest deal have not been disclosed, Musiwave was acquired by Openwave in January 2006 for $117m.
Source: ComputerWire daily updates
