Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) recently acquired San Francisco based privately held software company, Versly, for an undisclosed amount. All Versly employees will be integrated into Cisco’s Collaboration Software Group (CSG) upon closure of the deal.
Versly integrates collaboration capabilities via a plug-in into Microsoft (MSFT) Office applications, simplifying everyday computing. More specifically, it enables effective collaboration around content in documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations and emails. The acquisition will allow Cisco to provide enhanced collaboration products to customers from Microsoft Office documents.
The Versly software will be integrated into Cisco’s current collaboration products, including Cisco Quad, Cisco Jabber and Cisco WebEx. Users will receive automatic notifications within Cisco Quad when the content of a document has changed. While reviewing a document, users will be able to initiate an instant messaging session through Cisco Jabber or start a Web conferencing session through Cisco WebEx.
Cisco Systems is a leading provider of IP-based networking and other products. Although Cisco is taking steps to lower its cost structure by reducing headcount, it is not ignoring growth opportunities.
On August 22, Cisco announced the acquisition of United Kingdom-based Axiom Systems for $31 million. The deal enabled the company to extend its network and service management technologies across its next-generation Internet Protocol (IP) network platforms. Last month, Cisco also announced plans to expand its presence in Canada by adding 300 workers.
Cisco is no doubt the networking leader, but competitors like Juniper Networks (JNPR), Hewlett Packard Company (HPQ) through its 3Com acquisition and F5 Networks (FFIV) are gradually picking up market share.
Currently, Cisco carries a Zacks #3 Rank, indicating a short-term Hold recommendation.
