The collaboration market just became more competitive. Microsoft has acquired Groove for undisclosed terms.
Ed Brill points out the integration challenges (interesting how he marked is post as not-for-quote-by-press). Jeff Clavier highlights that Ray Ozzie will become Microsoft’s third CTO, and he surely is the best person for the job. Michael Sampson provides analysis and notes this wouldn’t have happened save Longhorn. Dan Bricklin says Microsoft endorsing P2P and Privacy is good. BusinessWeek blogs:
But has the era of big programs that live on the computer on your desk or your lap passed? The collaborative Web sites called wikis, for one, seem to present a more lightweight, Web-based alternative to Groove. While they can’t yet hold a candle to all of Groove’s capabilities, they’re evolving fast because they’re so easy to use. Even Microsoft offers a wiki of its own. Should be interesting to see which approach ultimately wins where it counts–among paying customers.
No comment. Will be interesting to see how Live Communications, Sharepoint, Groove and Office converge — and if convergence is meets customer demand. The forecast is Cloudy. Ray’s comment is forthcoming.
Congratulations are due to Ray and his team, really is a victory to celebrate.
Press Release: Microsoft to Acquire Groove Networks
Ross Mayfield is CEO and co-founder of Socialtext, an emerging provider of Enterprise Social Software that dramatically increases group productivity and develops a group memory.
He also writes Ross Mayfield’s Weblog which focuses on markets, technology and musings.
