Move aims to boost business intelligence technology

Microsoft announced yesterday that it has agreed to acquire ProClarity, a software company based in Boise, Idaho, which develops advanced analysis and visualisation technologies that work on Microsoft's business intelligence (BI) platform.

These include products such as SQL Server 2005, Office Business Scorecard Manager 2005, Office Excel and Office SharePoint Portal Server.

The upcoming release of the 2007 Office system increases and broadens Microsoft's investment in BI, the firm said.

Redmond added that the acquisition will provide functionality including advanced analysis and visualisation technologies as well as "guided" analysis driven by business logic.

Microsoft's strategy is to broaden the reach of BI by providing an easy and integrated user experience for accessing and working with business information so that decision-makers at all levels in an organisation can make more informed choices and drive better performance.

"The goal is to reach every individual, add value to every decision, and help organisations align people and initiatives to business strategy," said Microsoft in a statement.

"ProClarity's technology and people will help accelerate Microsoft's BI strategy, provide increased BI functionality, increase customer value and enhance opportunities for industry partners to integrate BI into business applications."