Microsoft's effort to support all platforms with its software continues with the acquisition of e-mail client Acompli. The news was officially announced Monday after the purchase was leaked through the Official Microsoft Blog a week earlier.
Microsoft's acquisition of Acompli is a move similar in spirit to Google's new Inbox app, which seeks to encourage users to do more with emails on mobile devices instead of just reading them until they can work from a desktop client. Acompli sets out to help users efficiently archive, search and reply to emails on mobile devices.
"Users love how it connects to all email services and provides a single place to manage email with a focus on getting things done," says Rajesh Jha, corporate vice president of Outlook and Office 365. "It consistently receives enthusiastic feedback from users and strong app store ratings. Reviews have called it 'your new best friend,' 'brilliant' and 'must have for BYOD.' "
The Acompli product and team will merge with Microsoft's Outlook division, according to Jha. Jha says the acquisition of Acompli forwards his division's goal of delivering more cross-platform apps, which support the email services people use every day.
"This acquisition brings us an app with innovative technology and a set of talented people who are passionate about reinventing email and communications on mobile screens," states Jha. "It will expedite our work to deliver the full power of Office to mobile devices."
Microsoft hasn't revealed the price it paid to pick up Acompli, though some believe the email client, which produces mobile apps for iOS and Andriod devices, was sold for at least $200 million.
Javier Soltero, CEO of Acompli, thanked his supporters in an email blog post and confirmed the transition to Microsoft won't have a negative impact on existing accounts. Soltero says Acompli will maintain its rapid pace of update deployment and will stick to other models that have seen the email client rocket to success over the past 18 months.
"Over the next few months, we'll be sharing more about the exciting product plans we have as Acompli becomes a part of Microsoft," says Soltero. "We remain committed to the original Acompli vision of making the best mobile email application on any platform and across all services."
More information about Microsoft's plans to connect all platforms via its software will be revealed when the tech company shows off the consumer side of its latest operating system, Windows 10. The presentation of Windows 10's consumer features is expected to take place in January 2015.
