Cisco, Skype Each Make a Deal

August 22nd, 2011 by · 4 Comments

Two small M&A deals this morning.

First, apparently Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO, news, filings) isn’t solely downsizing itself at the moment. The equipment giant took time out from managing all those pink slips and refocusing its product catalog to do a little M&A. They will be acquiring the AXIOSS software assets and the talent behind them, currently owned by the UK subsidiary of Comptel. Cisco will integrate the fulfillment software assets into its network and service management technology. The acquisition will cost Cisco $31M, and is expected to close by the end of next month.

Second, Skype has agreed to purchase GroupMe, which provides mobile group messaging services and was founded just last year at the Techcrunch Disrupt Hackathon. The deal suggests that Skype intends to beef up its text messaging capabilities, with an eye toward better serving the mobile market. Earlier this year they also bought Qik. Skype on smartphones has had the potential to really shake things up, but the details of the user experience are everything and they are clearly still looking for the right ingredients. Still pending, obviously, is MicroSoft’s purchase of Skype itself, the implications of which are still not clear.

If you haven't already, please take our Reader Survey! Just 3 questions to help us better understand who is reading Telecom Ramblings so we can serve you better!

Categories: Mergers and Acquisitions · Software · Telecom Equipment · VoIP

Join the Discussion!

4 Comments So Far


Leave a Comment

You may Log In to post a comment, or fill in the form to post anonymously.





  • Ramblings’ Jobs

    Post a Job - Just $99/30days
  • Event Calendar