Microsoft to Acquire NCompass Labs

Microsoft has reached an agreement to acquire software maker NCompass Labs. NCompass’s primary product is a software tool, Resolution 4.0, which makes it easier for Web site operators to manage the content of large, complex sites. The deal will help Microsoft meet customer demands for collaborative content management capabilities in its Web development and infrastructure products, particularly Commerce Server. It also threatens growth opportunities for other companies providing content management software on the Windows platform.

Microsoft’s US$36 million acquisition of the privately held Vancouver, B.C., company is expected to close by the end of May.

Content Management Tackles Collaboration and Complexity

Traditional Web sites are typically implemented on a Web server as a file hierarchy of HTML, script (e.g., CGI, Active Server Pages), and graphics files, and linked to one or more database servers containing dynamic data such as product catalogs, purchases, inventories, customer information, schedules, and so on. Although a skilled Web developer can create and manage a small Internet or intranet site with only a text editor and a graphics tool, this method does not scale to large sites because it lacks the means for managing collaboration and complexity.