Tycoons Row

Microsoft is bringing in new software applications in future editions of PC’s as they have just acquired TellMe Networks, a company based in Silicon Valley.  The company was founded in 1999 by Mike McCue (formally of Netscape).

Microsoft aims to utilize TellMe to strengthen its brand and leverage a potential weakness it has in the areas of Web communication on PC’s.  TellMe has a strong pulse on voice-recognition & technology on the net.  One example is the TellMe Mobile application which is a free java-script application acts like a voice-activated application service.  Say bye-bye to paid 411 mobile phone calls.  Right now, over 40 million people use TellMe services per month.  This company has done something right.

The WSJ reports that “companies spent $1.12 billion” on voice-technology products, which is up 35% compared to the year 2005.  This goes to show that Microsoft has definitely done due diligence on TellMe, and an acquisition of $800 million plus may be reasonable if TellMe cannot leverage additional growth.