SoftQuad International Inc, Toronto has acquired Alpha Software Corp, best known for the Alpha Five desktop database for Windows95, for 2.1 million new SoftQuad shares and $700,000. SoftQuad wants the privately-held database developer to strengthen its position as a provider of power tools that enable resellers, system integrators, Internet access providers and corporate data processing managers to create effective and dynamic intranet applications for knowledge publishing. SoftQuad defines Knowledge Publishing as drawing on the power of corporate intranets to manage and deliver an organization’s knowledge base. Alpha’s office in Burlington, Massachusetts will remain open and will serve as SoftQuad’s US headquarters. The Canadian will incorporate Alpha’s database technologies into future versions of its Internet and intranet publishing offerings, intending to introduce by mid-year a comprehensive suite of intranet power tools code-named PowerWorker, to provide a complete and integrated environment for creating, managing and accessing dynamic, personalized and secure Web sites in commercial environments. Alpha will also continue to market and develop its existing line of products.
