Parlano

Parlano, acquired by Microsoft for an undisclosed amount in 2007, is the maker of MindAlign enterprise-level team collaboration and messaging products. The MindAlign product series is a mix between email and chat platform created for business use. Microsoft plans on using the communication platform to improve Microsoft Office Communications Server and Microsoft Office Communicator. The MindAlign platform mixes the asynchronous nature of email with the real-time nature of IM to allow groups to have "persistent group chat" around "business-critical topics". They also claim that the product helps to unclutter your information silos. All their enterprise-level jargon will fit in perfectly with Microsoft.