Microsoft’s MSN has snapped up messaging start-up MessageCast in an bid to increase its alert services and new content channels, Microsoft.
The Microsoft announcement brings a long-time partner into Redmond’s fold. The Redwood City, Calif.-based MessageCast has partnered with MSN since 2003.
MessageCast provides a LiveMessage alerting service that informs users when new podcasts are available, alerting them through e-mail, Instant Messaging and RSS
Details of the deal were not disclosed.
MSN’s two-year relationship with MessageCast has focused on delivering alerts services to customers in the United States, and several European and Asian countries. Those services are delivered through several technologies such as MSN Messenger, Microsoft Windows Messenger, e-mail, and text messaging on mobile devices compatible with the MSN Mobile.
Now, the plan is for Microsoft and MessageCast to build more into that “information channel” they’ve built together, company officials said.
The acquisition was announced the same day as Microsoft said it had formed a joint
venture with Shanghai Alliance Investment to launch MSN mobile products with more local content in China and strengthen its portal credentials in the Asian country.