IBM Acquires Online Messaging, Collaboration Service Provider

January 16, 2009, 03:37 PM EST

The messaging service will become part of the IBM Lotus "Bluehouse" online social networking and collaboration project that's currently in open beta, IBM said. The company is expected to disclose more details at next week's Lotusphere conference in Orlando, Fla., about how the Outblaze assets will become part of IBM's online portfolio.

Details of the acquisition of privately held Outblaze, which is based in Hong Kong, were not disclosed. IBM said the company's hosted multilingual e-mail service currently supports more than 40 million users.

IBM said the acquisition would accelerate its ability to deliver Web-based mail services in a Software-as-a-Service model. The service lets users share files, chat and participate in online meetings.

Rick Whiting

Rick Whiting has been with CRN since 2006 and is currently a feature/special projects editor. Whiting manages a number of CRN’s signature annual editorial projects including Channel Chiefs, Partner Program Guide, Big Data 100, Emerging Vendors, Tech Innovators and Products of the Year. He also covers the Big Data beat for CRN. He can be reached at rwhiting@thechannelcompany.com.